Meet Louise Swann: Tourism guru and ITC’s newest Course Advisor

Louise Swann is ITC’s new Course Advisor.
All of the team members at ITC and Study From Home have a genuine passion for travel and tourism, with countless years of experience in the industry. We believe that’s vital if we’re going to train the next generation in how to work in travel and tourism.
With our newest team member Louise Swann (or Lulu), we’re bringing in decades of experience. But not just that, we’re welcoming back a student who graduated 20 years ago, spent that entire time travelling the world, meeting people, and gaining experience in the industry.
Now, Lulu is back at ITC as a brand new Course Advisor, and is ready to share her wealth of experience and relentless energy and passion for tourism with students.
We asked her a little more about how it all began and what she’s been up to over the past two decades. Here’s what she had to say!
How did you begin your passion for the tourism industry?
My passion began for the industry when I first set foot on an Air New Zealand aircraft in 1973, we were off to Samoa to see family and friends. I loved every minute, the excitement of travel exceeded my expectations. From the moment we arrived, there were lovely welcoming friendly staff, so helpful, and nothing was a problem. The crew stayed at the family Hotel Aggie Greys, so we had an incredible time with them showing off the beautiful island waterfalls and swimming with the turtles and blow holes. I knew then I had to work in the industry, it was absolutely my first love.
What does your travel industry history look like?
My travel industry history began when I was a student here at ITC 20 years ago, when I graduated armed with Level 3 & 4 Diploma in Travel and Tourism.
My first job in Auckland tourism was amazing – it was the America’s Cup. The city was buzzing with tourism and I booked people on boat trips to see the race from private yachts to Fuller Cruises, and helped book their accommodation ranging from hotels, motels, backpackers. We got to experience it ourselves which was rewarding. I also booked transport on land and sea nationwide, adventures such as AJ Hackett Bungy, Auckland Bridge Climb, Canyoning down waterfalls (Coromandel), and Skydiving (Mercer/Taupo). Each day was an adventure.
I joined Air New Zealand and worked for 18 months in reservations before commencing my flying career as a domestic flight attendant showcasing our passion for Aotearoa. This included operating flights to Australia and the Pacific Rim. I later trained as a long-haul flight attendant, trained on 6 different Aircrafts exploring USA, North and South America. We also went to Asia Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Korea to name a few. The world was literally my office – the views at 30,000 ft are remarkable, my wildest dreams had suddenly became reality! I loved meeting new crew and people everywhere I went. I gained lifelong friendships.
The last aircraft I trained on was the B787 standard and B787-9 Aircraft. These wowed the public with a new and exciting experience, desired mood lighting and leather seats. It was an honour to be part of an everchanging industry that never sleeps but continues to strive to be the very best in everything, from service focus on operational surety, to health and safety and on-time performance.
I have to tell you that my highlight with Air New Zealand was joining the Legacy team of Management & staff on an expedition to climb Mt Everest! This is where I found my spiritual place on our beautiful planet!
How will your experience help support students?
I love sharing my experience with students as I can give them firsthand experience of what it is like to have ”The day and the life of a flight attendant.” You must be passionate, you must be proud and dedicated, love challenging yourself, as every second counts. It is a daily surprise, it is a demanding role, that will push you to your full potential!
I am your Course adviser for today, who knows what the future brings, I am ready for any challenge, if it dares to present itself.
Get taught by the best
At ITC and Study From Home, our tutors, advisors, and team members all share a love of travel and tourism. We’re so lucky to have Louise join the team, and when you give ITC a call to talk about course options and where they might take you, she will be the one answering the phone and chatting through it all.
She’s energetic, so friendly, and as a past student who has enjoyed an incredible career as a flight attendant, she’s perfectly qualified to help direct new students. So get in touch today to say hello, and learn about where ITC and Study From Home can take you.
Campus Study – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.itc.co.nz/contact-us/
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