Fact vs fiction: Which tourism news stories are actually true?

New Zealand’s tourism industry is a topic of hot debate. But which stories are actually true?

As New Zealand passes its one year anniversary of closing the borders and locking down, the news has been spending a lot of time reporting on, and speculating about, the tourism industry.

Of course, with the borders closed and no international tourists coming in, tourism operators have not enjoyed the same level of business as they usually would. But that’s not to say tourism is dead, or that it will never return, or that those working in the industry are completely out of luck, or even that those who want to get into the industry should think otherwise.

There’s simply a lot of half-truths and overly negative press coverage at the moment, and we’d like to offer a more positive point of view and set the record straight! (more…)

Soft skills: What are they and why do you need them?

Soft skills are all about how you interact with other people, so you’ll need them no matter which career you choose.

Whether you’re looking to get into a career in travel, tourism, and aviation, or whether you’re seeking work in marketing, teaching, business, or practically anything else, you’ll hear about soft skills – and you’ll need them.

Here’s a little more about what soft skills are, why you need them, and how you’ll learn all about them at ITC. (more…)

What will you say when future employers ask what you did in 2021?

Future employers will surely ask how you spent 2021. Do you know how you will answer?

It’s one of the most common questions in any interview, and you can almost guarantee that you’ll be asked it.

It’s the question that will always come up when there are gaps in your CV. Be it the time between high school and your first job, or even in between jobs. Employers will always want to know how you spent your time – and what that says about you.

In 2021, with so many people feeling unsure of what to do next, there might be quite a few gaps in resumes in the works. So how will you answer the question? (more…)

Meet graduate Aishwarya Rangarajan: A sparkling career in travel and tourism

ITC graduate Aishwarya Rangarajan is living a dream career in travel and tourism.

We’re welcoming in a bright new year and a fresh group of students at ITC, and what better way to do that than with an interview with a past graduate?

Aishwarya Rangarajan graduated back in 2008, and has since found a sparkling career in travel and tourism. We love hearing about our incredible graduates and keeping in touch as they make waves in the industry in in New Zealand and around the world.

Here’s a little more about Aish’s time at ITC, what she’s doing now, and her advice for current students. (more…)

The tourism industry needs you!

The tourism industry is crying out for skilled and qualified staff. Right now is the perfect time to enrol at ITC and start an exciting career in the industry.

This is a message for anyone who is considering studying for a career in travel, tourism, or aviation in 2021.

We need you!

Or more specifically, the industry needs you! (more…)

Meet graduate Laura Orsbourn: From ITC to Disney to New Zealand lockdown

Laura Orsbourn studied at ITC with a dream of working at Disney, but not long after she landed her dream job, covid-19 threw her plans into disarray.

“ITC is like a real family. When you move away from home (or graduate from ITC), it doesn’t mean you are not able to ever come back. In fact, students come back years after they graduate to say hi, get further career support and guidance and even re-employment. That’s our promise to our graduates,” Mel Jenkins, Marketing Manager at ITC.

ITC is as much a college for those wishing to enter the travel, tourism, and aviation industries, as it is a supportive family. As Mel speaks about in her quote above, graduation from ITC doesn’t mean the support, advice, and communication stops.

In fact, we recently caught up with graduate Laura Orsbourn, who studied at ITC in order to apply for the Disney College program in the US. Her hard work and skills landed her the job, but it wasn’t long before covid derailed her role and saw her packing her bags for New Zealand.

We chatted to Laura about how she got started, what it was like heading home, and her time at ITC. (more…)

ITC launches new webpage celebrating the rise of New Zealand tourism

ITC has launched a webpage to celebrate and follow the rise of New Zealand tourism.

This year, New Zealand became one of the first countries in the world to beat the virus not just once, but twice. As a result, Kiwis everywhere began to celebrate by doing what we do best – travel.

Thanks to being able to travel safely and enjoy our own backyard, New Zealanders have been busily making plans and exploring the country, seeing sights usually crowded with international visitors, and ticking off those local ‘must-dos’ at last. We also know that once borders reopen, New Zealand will be a hugely popular destination.

That’s why ITC has created a brand new webpage dedicated to following New Zealand’s tourism progress as it once again begins to rise. We will keep this page updated with new information as it is released. (more…)

Two-year tourism and travel diploma provides variety of transferable in-demand skills

ITC’s two-year Tourism and Travel Diploma offers students highly valuable transferable skills.

The Diploma in International Tourism and Travel Management available at ITC is a level 5 course specifically designed for international students, and is one of the most valuable programmes available at ITC.

Not only do students walk away with a variety of immensely practical qualifications, they also learn a number of skills that can easily transfer from one role – and one career – to another. (more…)

Disney 2014 – new friends, a second family and the experience of a lifetime

Cara ITC Graduate now working at Disney, (in the red top) in Orlando. What an experience.

ITC Graduate Cara Adams tells us about her experience at Disney.

How do I even start to talk about this journey, it has been such a rollercoaster ride? I am so happy that I chose to do this; I have grown while being here and have met friends that I will keep forever. There have, of course, been ups and downs in the six months I have been here so far, but all of them have been an important part of this amazing experience. (more…)

ITC Graduation 2014

ITC students celebrating their success at their Graduation at The Langham Hotel in Auckland on Friday 13th June.

Friday the 13th was not unlucky for the latest batch of ITC graduates; in fact, it was the perfect night to celebrate our graduates’ success as they embark on the next chapter in their lives.

One of the most important aspects of study at ITC is the focus on industry-relevant training, and we are grateful, as always, to the members of the travel and tourism industry who contribute so much to our graduation celebrations. (more…)