Business of Tourism Academy
Why choose ITC’s Business Of Tourism Academy?
At the International Travel College it’s our vision to inspire students all over New Zealand to pursue a career in airline, travel or tourism. ITC has paired up with a number of academies in Auckland and Northland to offer a Business of Tourism Academy for high school students in Auckland City, South Auckland & Whangarei.
This fantastic course option will give students the opportunity to learn about tourism from a business point of view, with a real focus on the entrepreneurial side of things that Kiwis are so famous for.
This level three academy ensures learners can get the best start in the industry. Additionally, these courses cover a range of sectors in the industry, including adventure tourism, airline and airports, accommodation, activities, attractions and many more.
We have a strong focus on communication, cultural awareness, enterprise & marketing, customer service, leadership, public speaking and presentation skills. These are all valuable skills our industry demands of their future workforce.
ITC’s own Ceri Jenkins has been heavily involved with getting the Business of Tourism Academy off the ground this year. He explained why the academy is so important for up-and-coming students in the industry:
“I know many people who now work in tourism wish there was something available like this for them when they were in school. It would have provided the exact pathway they were looking for and really opened their eyes to management and business ownership within tourism.”
Academy overview
The Business of Tourism Academy offers 30 credits at level 3, offering high school students a chance to learn more about this exciting industry while earning credits.
As well as credits, one of the biggest benefits of this course is the connection that it builds between students and employers. Throughout their studies, students will meet with industry people during site visits and activities, which will help to build a valuable network.
The course includes a strong focus on:
- Communication
- Cultural awareness
- Enterprise & marketing
- Customer service
- Leadership
- Public speaking
- Presentation skills
Additional course benefits:
- Tutors with industry experience
- Every student receives their very own Academy t-shirt
- Multiple site visit and students participate in tourism activities
- Meet multiple industry representatives
- Get a real taste of tertiary life to help you make an informed decision after high school
- Meet new friends & have the incredible support from our experienced tutors who’ve all had industry experience
Below is a schedule of what is included in the academy’s. This is subject to change in terms of availability of certain activities on the dates suggested. An updated version of the programme will be offered at the start of the course. (Click on the below location to view the 2023 planner)
- Auckland City Overview – This is an example of our 2024 overview. This academy is held on a Friday 09:30-2:30pm
- Whangarei Overview – This is an example of our 2025 overview. This academy is held on a Friday 09:30am-2:30pm during terms 1, 2 & 3.
Eligibility criteria
Student that wish to take part in these academy options are to discuss this with their school first. The school must support their attendance over the course of 30 days in the year.
- Students must be year 12 or 13 in the year they partake in the academy
- They must have a keen interest in following a Tourism pathway
- Support from your school to attend each day
- Independent transportation to get to our campus locations on the dates required (transport during the day for site visits is organised by ITC)
Academy locations
Below are the locations and contact person for each academy we deliver. Spaces are limited and applications & enquiries must be made direct with the below contact. Students must discuss this with their school before applying. (Click on the destination for information on the below locations)
- Auckland City – The contact person in charge of the Auckland City option is Amber Hinson (Te Arataki Ki Te Uru Trades Academy Director). Please email: a.hinson@kelstongirls.school.nz
- Whangarei – The contact person in charge of the Northland option is Ceri Jenkins. You can email: ceri@itc.co.nz
How to apply?
- We ask any students who meet our eligibility requirements to complete our expressions of interest online form (please see below)
- The schools team will discuss all applications and advise those who are eligible to continue to the next stages of application.
- Our team will arrange a time to meet with those students to discuss this incredible opportunity and find out more about why they wish to apply.
Please ask any eligible students to fill in this ‘Expressions Of Interest’ form by clicking the below link applicable to the location of choice:
- Whangarei (please note that our 2025 applications have closed; however, please get students to still express their interest as we do add them to a waitlist for spaces that become available or if we are allocated extra funding): https://forms.office.com/r/0qiVx5euMM
- Auckland: https://forms.office.com/r/c32UCXDcti
Cost of the academy
Trades funding is available through the Te Arataki Ki Te Uru Trades Academy and Te Tai Tokerau Trades Academy. If you need further information please do not hesitate to contact us.
Take a look what our academy students get to experience here. Would you like more information? Click below to contact us today.