Travel industry myths: BUSTED!
Have you heard some odd rumours about the travel industry? We’re here to bust them!
We hear a lot of myths about working in the travel industry, and since we have countless years of experience between us as a team, we can confidently say that they’re all false!
Here are some of the most common myths you might hear when you’re thinking about working in the travel industry – and why so many of them actually aren’t true at all.
Myth one: I need to study a Flight Attending course to become a Flight Attendant
We would in fact advise against studying anywhere that states they will guarantee you a role as a Flight Attendant.
In fact, airlines prefer to do their own flight attending training. Airlines train staff directly because they can provide job-specific, hands-on, and company-tailored training for their unique operational procedures and safety protocols.
Instead, we suggest you study to help prepare you for such a role so you know what to expect. Of course we have an added benefit of working with major airlines to help prepare you with applying!
At ITC the knowledge and skills you learn help you in roles such as cabin crew, but more importantly, the qualifications we offer help you with those very important soft skills that are needed in any industry. We focus on communication, customer service and so much more.
When you study an aviation course with us, you’ll gain essential knowledge in areas like customer service and conflict management. Plus, you’ll get a greater understanding of the aviation industry, including its terminology and requirements for individual airlines here and overseas.
As a major bonus, a relevant qualification makes you a more attractive candidate to airlines, demonstrating your commitment and basic understanding of the role. It shows you are willing to go the extra mile, which is a very attractive quality when airlines are employing.
Read more here about ‘why we don’t call our courses Flight Attending courses’.
Myth two: I find employment on my own after I graduate from a Tertiary course
Unfortunately, many education providers do not have a dedicated role for graduates to get support in entering into a job after they gain qualifications. ITC is very different. We have a dedicated person who is called an Employment Consultant, who exists to support students into work after graduation.
That support does not just stop there. Throughout your entire study journey, our Employment Consultant will showcase volunteer opportunities so you can gain more experience for your CV,
They will also help with checking your CV and assist you when they apply for part-time work.
Most importantly, our Employment Consultant also runs various events on campus, creating opportunities for International Exchanges. This includes an Industry Expo where students can meet a variety of tourism, hospitality, adventure tourism employers, to gain an understanding of what role they want to enter into.
ITC is proud to be one of the only educators to offer this employment support.
Myth three: Doing my StudyLink application is up to me
No, not true! We know how confusing or daunting it can be to leave school and study fulltime at tertiary level, let alone deal with the paperwork involved with applying for a loan, allowance or financial support.
Our ITC Student Services team will help you with your application for student loans and allowances from start to finish.
Myth four: I’m super shy, so a job in tourism wouldn’t suit me
ITC will help build your confidence and work on your communication skills – plus, there are thousands of jobs in the industry, so we’ll help you find the one that will suit you!
Many roles allow for independence and leverage introverted strengths like thoughtful observation. While direct customer-facing roles may require practice, a career in tourism can still be successful by focusing on roles that align with your personality, such as those requiring analytical skills or independent work, and by gradually building your confidence.
Myth five: It’s too late to change plans and study with ITC
Perhaps you have already applied to study elsewhere, but would now prefer to study with us. The good news is that it’s not too late!
ITC offers a supportive environment, industry-focused training, and a pathway into exciting careers in travel, tourism, and aviation. If you’d like to explore studying with us, our team can guide you through the process and make sure you understand your options.
Myth six: Tourism doesn’t pay well
Some entry-level roles in tourism may not pay as much as other industries, but tourism is one of the largest and most dynamic sectors in New Zealand and worldwide. Many people start with front-line experience and quickly move into leadership, management, marketing, event coordination, or specialist roles that offer excellent career progression and income potential.
Tourism is also about more than a paycheck – it’s about being part of a global industry that connects cultures, creates unforgettable experiences, and offers opportunities to travel, grow, and build transferable skills. So while starting salaries can be modest, the long-term opportunities in tourism are exciting, diverse, and rewarding – both professionally and personally.
Working in the travel industry offers perks like heavily discounted travel for employees and family, opportunities for cultural immersion and personal growth, a flexible work environment (including remote options), networking with diverse people, and varied career paths within the growing sector. These advantages make it an attractive industry for those who love to travel and connect with different cultures.
We have the advantage of keeping in contact with many of our graduates who are now operating in managerial or senior tourism roles. There’s Scarlett Westall, Cabin Crew Manager; Fleur, the youngest employed Site Controller at the Nevis Bungy with AJ Hackett; and Lisa Breckon, who recently secured her new position as the Director of Sales with Park Hyatt Auckland.
Myth seven: I have to live in Auckland or Whangarei to study tourism
We do have campus options in Auckland City, Auckland Botany and Whangarei, which means that students would need to reallocate if they want to study with us on campus.
Even though we support our students who want to reallocate to study on campus, we know that’s not always possible. The good news is that you can gain an airline, travel or tourism qualification from the comfort of your own home by studying with us online.
The International Travel College of New Zealand’s Study From Home courses are your ticket to an exciting new career. Jobs in the airline, travel and tourism industries are full of challenge and fun. We can help you find your dream role with our award-winning training, qualifications and support.
Contact us here with any questions – or if you have any more myths that need busting!
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