Meet Vi Tran, our newest City Campus Tutor
Vi Tran is our wonderful new City Campus Tutor.
There can’t be many people in the world who have studied tourism in Vietnam, earned a scholarship to continue studying in France, worked in world-renowned hotels, opened their own hostels and a resort, lectured at Hoa Sen University, and travelled all over the world.
In fact, there might only be one – which is why we consider ourselves to be incredibly lucky to welcome the multi-talented and highly experienced Vi Tran to the team. Vi’s passion for travel and the tourism industry is evident in her history, and we’re excited for her to share her skills and experience as a tutor at our City Campus.
Learn more about Vi’s incredible story.
How did you begin your passion for the tourism industry?
During my childhood, I always dreamed of traveling all over the world to explore landscapes and learn about history, traditions, and cultures. It was for this reason that I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management at a university in Vietnam.
Years later, I finally achieved my dream of being awarded a scholarship from SKEMA Business School in France to pursue a master’s degree in tourism. This opportunity led me to embark on my first solo backpacking adventure across Europe. The year 2018 marked the beginning of my PhD journey in New Zealand.
What does your travel industry history look like?
Upon completing my Bachelor degree in Tourism and Hospitality, I began working for Accor and Marriott five-star hotels as a Reservation Agent and Assistant Sales and Marketing Director. After completing my studies in France, I returned to Vietnam and worked as a Market Manager at Agoda.com, an online travel agency for over four years. My primary responsibilities entailed consulting with accommodation partners, identifying trends, and determining potential sources of supply to meet consumer demand on the Agoda website.
My experience backpacking in Europe inspired me to start my own business. As a result, I opened three hostels in Ho Chi Minh City and a boutique resort in my hometown, located in central Vietnam.
Apart from my entrepreneurial job, I have been a lecturer at Hoa Sen University, Faculty of Tourism, for over four years. I have experience teaching and supervising students in various academic projects. I believe in the importance of continuous learning. As such, I was awarded a Doctoral scholarship from AUT and successfully completed my PhD journey in December 2022. I had been working as a Research Assistant at NZTRI (AUT) and teaching assistant for more than four years during my PhD program.
How will your experience help support students?
With my background in hospitality and travel agency, I can guide students in broadening their understanding and abilities within the tourism industry. I can support them to discover diverse opportunities for growth and exploration. My leadership and entrepreneurial experiences will encourage them to pursue their own ventures. Additionally, my academic background will improve their critical thinking, innovation, and literacy skills.
What do you think are the most important skills to have in the tourism industry?
Exceeding customer expectations is crucial in the hospitality and tourism industry. Possessing excellent customer service skills enables you to provide an exceptional experience that leaves a lasting and memorable impression. Regardless of your role in the tourism industry, it’s essential to work well with others. Effective teamwork is built on a foundation of communication.
What’s next for the tourism industry?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the tourism industry, leaving its future uncertain. However, this crisis has also presented an opportunity to reimagine tourism with a focus on sustainability. As a result, travellers are increasingly opting for eco-friendly options and taking into account their impact on local communities and the environment. With the pandemic driving emerging trends, such as traveling closer to home, avoiding crowded destinations, and seeking more authentic experiences, governments are considering the long-term implications and promoting structural transformation to build a stronger, more sustainable, and resilient tourism economy. Digitalization and support for low-carbon transitions are also crucial factors in achieving this goal.
New Zealand has emerged as a global leader in sustainable tourism, with the government announcing plans to strengthen and sustain the industry. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity for the country to create a tourism sector that provides benefits for New Zealanders.
What is your best advice for those getting into the industry now?
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a shortage of skilled human resources in the tourism sector. As New Zealand’s tourism industry strives to recover, it is crucial to recruit and train qualified talent to enhance its competitiveness and ensure sustainability. This presents a significant opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in this field to fulfil their aspirations.
Learn from the best at ITC
Vi Tran is exceptionally qualified in every way. From her own experiences in travel to her many years working in the industry, we can’t think of anyone better suited to be a tutor for ITC.
In fact, the entire team at ITC is comprised of talented and passionate individuals who each have bright and varied histories in the travel and tourism industry. Because we believe it’s important that those who are teaching our students should have first-hand experience in their subjects.
Explore our courses and enrol now to learn from some of the best in the business.
Campus Study – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.itc.co.nz/contact-us/
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