ITC Industry News Bulletin #50

In this week’s tourism news, New Zealand wins a top award for adventure travel, TRENZ 2016 kicks off, and more.

TOP STORIES

New Zealand wins Best International Destination for Adventure award

Each year, the Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards recognise the best of the best for international travel. This year – and for the second year in a row – New Zealand has taken the top spot for Best International Destination for Adventure.

The award was announced at an event in Mumbai on May 9, where Australia and South Africa were named as runners up to the award.

Steven Dixon, regional manager South and South East Asia for Tourism New Zealand, explains what the award meant for the country’s travel industry.

“As a key market for Tourism New Zealand, the award is a positive endorsement from Indian travellers – which supports our work to drive interest and awareness with those considering booking a trip to experience it for themselves.”

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Introducing Rob Glae

A warm welcome to Rob Glae, ITC’s new Tutorial Team Leader.

Rob Glae recently joined ITC as Tutorial Team Leader. In this blog post, he tells us a little bit about himself, his love for travel and tourism, and his previous career experience. 

Kia ora, my name is Rob Glae and I’m the Tutorial Team Leader at ITC’s City Campus. My role is to deliver student learning and to plan and develop across the college curriculum, while providing support and guidance to the tutorial team.

Before joining ITC, I worked as a sales trainer for Air New Zealand. My job was to design and deliver business development courses for the airline which included sales and service, customer experience, customer care, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. I also ran the ‘instructional technique’ CAA course for pilot/air crew and ground instructors.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #49

Travel news in New Zealand this week includes a historic flight, a major investment, as well as predictions for future tourism.

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Queenstown celebrates first night flight

Up until May 1 2016, Queenstown had never been able to offer departures or landings after dark due to the airport’s location amidst the mountains. That all changed, however, when Air New Zealand landed its first ever flight after dark. The flight was the first test run for commercial services that will begin later this month.

A full schedule for passenger flights will come into effect not long after, which will see an additional 100,000 seats available between Auckland and Queenstown – an increase of roughly 15 percent on current levels.

This historic first was achieved with runway improvements, new airfield lighting and airline training and procedures.

“It really is a milestone for New Zealand aviation and we’re proud to be the first airline to offer this service to customers,” explained Air NZ Chief Flight Operations and Safety Officer Captain David Morgan.

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ITC raises $176 for RSA with ANZAC Day bake sale

ITC Tutorial Team Leader Rob (left) and Senior Tutor Jacques get into the ANZAC Day spirit.

The International Travel College has a longstanding tradition of holding charitable events to raise money for great causes, and this year’s ANZAC Day was no exception.

Students at the City Campus rallied together to bake an array of delightful treats for a bake sale, with all profits donated to the Returned Services Association (RSA).

The delicious baking was simply too good to resist – everyone shopped up a storm and a total of $176.00 was raised at ITC’s City Campus. An amazing effort!

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #48

This week, New Zealanders weigh in on the tourism industry and visitor numbers are up around the country.

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What Kiwis think of their own tourism industry

More than 1,000 New Zealanders were recently asked about their opinions on the local tourism industry in two surveys conducted by Tourism New Zealand and the Tourism Industry Association (TIA). The research, titled ‘Mood of the Nation’, sought to understand Kiwis’ perceptions about the industry as visitor numbers soar to ever-increasing heights.

As it turns out, Kiwis are largely positive about the trend, but they have outlined a few concerns. These concerns stem from issues such as the potential for a negative environmental impact, road safety, and lack of accommodation.

Chris Roberts, chief executive for the TIA, explained the results by saying “every day, in every region of New Zealand, visitors are having a positive impact. And it’s great that Kiwis want to be welcoming hosts. Manaakitanga is what makes the New Zealand visitor experience unique”.

Manaakitanga is the Maori word for hospitality and kindness.

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International student profile: Delbaere “Dhie” Bangcado

Bright, bubbly and full of life – Delbaere Bangcado chose to study tourism in New Zealand so she could overcome her fear of heights. Her inspiring story is a must-read for anyone looking to pursue a career in travel and tourism.

Delbaere Bangcado is an ITC international student from the Philippines. She loves studying in New Zealand and dreams of one day becoming a flight attendant. We caught up with her to learn about what life is like as an international student at ITC. She shares her story, as well as some words of wisdom for other international students looking to study in Auckland. 

What inspired you to move to New Zealand to study at ITC?

New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world, and I have a lot of fear regarding certain ‘adventures’ – specifically anything to do with heights! To achieve my dream (of becoming a flight attendant), I knew I would have to conquer my fear… and where better than New Zealand where I can actually enjoy overcoming it? I researched a lot of New Zealand schools online, however ITC’s marketing strategy was the best I had ever seen. Not to mention, it has an awesome Airport Training Centre. For me, ITC is by far the best option!

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #47

In this week’s travel and tourism news, Tourism New Zealand and Christchurch Airport announce a new venture in the South Island, and Tourism New Zealand also launches a brand new marketing campaign.

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$6m venture to lure new tourists

Christchurch Airport and Tourism NZ (TNZ) have signed a $6m deal to promote the country through this South Island airport. The money will go towards trade activities, PR and advertising.

Initially, the two organisations have agreed to a period of three years. According to the director of trade, PR and major events at TNZ, Rene de Monchy, the first year will be all about the South Island.

“Over the first year we’ll carry out campaign activity to promote South Island road trips departing from Christchurch, aligned with Tourism New Zealand’s focus to attract visitors to more regions.”

Further annual agreements will be decided upon at a later date.

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Three reasons why studying tourism in New Zealand is amazing

New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to study tourism, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes, friendly people and amazing culture.

Did you hear the great news last week? New Zealand was once again voted the best country in the world by the UK’s Telegraph publication. This is the fourth time we’ve been awarded this prestigious accolade.

To celebrate this epic win, we’ve put together 3 reasons why studying tourism in New Zealand is amazing. If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in tourism, there’s really no better location than Aotearoa. Here’s why.

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ITC Industry News Bulletin #46

In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, New Zealand is named the world’s best country for the 4th year in a row and Air New Zealand takes away an award for being the country’s most reputable company.

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Air NZ ‘most reputable company’

Air New Zealand has once again taken the number one spot as the country’s most reputable company, according to a survey by research consultancy AMR.

Every year, AMR asks the public for their opinions on the top 25 organisations across a number of areas such as products, innovation, and performance. It’s the third year in the top spot for the airline, with survey respondents citing the company’s prices, service, planes, financial results and safety videos as reasons behind the votes. Air NZ last held first place in 2011 and 2012, but is generally in the top three with a second place ranking in 2015.

In an AMR press release, Managing Director Oliver Freedman explained the win, saying, “for Air New Zealand, the constantly high level of customer service has been a key reputational driver”.

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A wonderful send-off for a wonderful tutor

The ‘ITC Family’ wish Steve all the best for his retirement.

Retirement. It’s been the cause of many tears and heartfelt farewells at ITC, as it’s seen us say ‘see you later’ to some fantastic tutors. We’re incredibly fortunate that many of our tutors have taught at the College right up until retirement – like student favourite Steve Burke, who finished teaching late last month.

Steve taught at ITC for 13 years and in that time he inspired hundreds, if not thousands of students to pursue rewarding careers in airline, travel and tourism. A superb tutor with a quick sense of humour and a huge heart, Steve was loved and respected by both staff and students.

In true ITC style, we celebrated his amazing contribution with a delicious lunch (and a speech or two!).

“Steve has made an outstanding contribution here at ITC,” says ITC Marketing Director Claire Huxley.

“He decided to go teaching later in life, as he had lots of industry experience. His students loved him, and he was always able to make the most complicated subjects seem straightforward. All the staff loved working with Steve too. We will miss him, but wish him all the best for his retirement.”

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