ITC Earns Finalist Spot in the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards

ITC is ecstatic to be named as a finalist in the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards.

The International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) was delighted to receive the best possible gift on our exact 30^th anniversary this week: A finalist spot in the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards.

We are a finalist in the FareHarbor Tourism Collaboration Award category, alongside ChristchurchNZ, Native Nations, and Kiwi North.

The FareHarbor Tourism Collaboration Award recognises tourism organisations, businesses, or partnerships that have aligned or partnered to successfully maximise their tourism industry impact and results.

Aside from it being our 30^th anniversary as a travel college, this year is also special as it saw a record number of entries. There were 177 in 2026, which is up from last year’s record of 150.

Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive for Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) says that the increased popularity of the annual awards is a sign of a thriving tourism industry.

“We’re delighted with the record number of entries received from a range of individuals and tourism businesses across the country. It shows that people in the industry are proud of what they’ve achieved over the past year,” she explained.

ITC’s Chief Executive Officer, Claire Huxley, shared her excitement for the announcement.

“We are incredibly excited to be named a finalist,” said Claire, “it is a wonderful recognition of the passion and hard work our team puts into this project and has done for 10 years now. We’re grateful to Ceri, Mel, Mike, Brooke and Lisette and everyone who has supported us and helped make this achievement possible.”

We’re also grateful to Explore Group, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Hundertwasser Art Centre, and Bay of Islands Parasail, who all assisted our application with letters of support.

Winners will be announced in person at the New Zealand Tourism Awards Dinner on 4 November 2026 at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, following the Tourism Summit Aotearoa.  

ITC Industry News Bulletin #9

The good news continues in this week’s bulletin, with positive industry growth rates at domestic, national and international levels.

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The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) and Department of Conservation (DOC) have entered into a new partnership to protect New Zealand’s natural landscape. The partnership is centred around six key principles which are all designed to help the tourism industry and DOC work closely together to benefit the environment.

“People travel here from all over the world to enjoy our spectacular landscapes and natural scenery,” said TIA chief executive Chris Roberts. “As the tourism industry pursues its Tourism 2025 goal of almost doubling total tourism revenue to $41 billion, we want to work closely with DOC to manage that growth to ensure our environment is protected and the visitor experience is enhanced.”

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