ITC students hear from industry leaders at Discussing Tourism event
ITC students Justine Tai and Talei Halofaki at the Discussing Tourism event in Auckland.
Two ITC students recently attended the Discussing Tourism event in Auckland on 27 July.
Talei Halofaki and Justine Tai both received special invitations to attend the event after they were nominated by their tutor, Kirsten Leith, for their excellent standard of work and passion and enthusiasm for working in the tourism industry.
Kirsten accompanied the students to the event, which was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in central Auckland.
The event was attended by some of New Zealand’s top tourism businesses and individuals, including industry providers, politicians, and Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA).
Several key topics were discussed throughout the day, including:
- Sustainability: particularly environmental, economic, and social
- The current issues facing the tourism industry
- Stats on inbound tourists and our top generating markets
- The current marketing of NZ as a tourism destination
- The proposed ‘border tax’ being put forward by Labour and the Greens
“Events like this are a fantastic opportunity for our students to be involved in open and honest forum discussions about the future of the tourism industry,” says Kirsten.
“On the whole, this event showcased how lucky we are in NZ to have such a robust tourism industry, that is so well supported at both a national and local level. ITC graduates have such great opportunities ahead of them in a prosperous job market. It was acknowledged several times throughout the day how much the industry needs a skilled workforce.”
Both Justine and Talei learned a lot from the event, and even got the chance to meet some local business owners.
“I enjoyed listening to local tourism operators share their passion and their dreams of how they would improve their businesses in New Zealand’s small towns,” says Justine.
“I learned that little businesses or communities can create long-term success in the industry, and that individuals must work together to tell the world about New Zealand tourism.”
Justine enjoyed speaking with Jeroen Jongejans, the Managing Director of Tutukaka Dive, who inspired her “with his passion of improving his business and to be known in the world.”
Talei also spoke with Jeroen and was equally inspired by his journey – so much so that she wants to “go to Tutukaka and spend a week diving now!”
Talei adds that attending the event was everything she thought it would be – and more.
“I volunteered to attend the conference because I wanted to learn what the industry wanted to discuss – and that is exactly what I got to experience. I enjoyed being among the people who are making the calls on what, when, and how things should be done in the industry.”
Justine and Talei are currently studying towards the Level 5 New Zealand Diploma in Tourism, a qualification which will equip them with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in New Zealand’s burgeoning tourism sector.
Would you like to gain the skills needed to work in the New Zealand tourism industry? Get in touch today to learn how ITC can help get your tourism career off to a flying start.
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