August 2017

24 APAC / August 2017 , Since its inception, The International Travel College of New Zealand Ltd (ITC) has proved itself to be an innovative and quality focussed organisation – evidenced through steady growth to be a market leader, with significant success in tourism and business awards and continued ISO international quality award status for nearly fifteen years. ITC’s mission is: • To be New Zealand’s leading specialist travel and tourism college for New Zealanders and international students; • To produce lasting benefits for ITC students, their future employers, the industry and the college, thereby increasing the capacity of New Zealand’s travel and tourism industries; • To engage people in the ITC vision by inspiring and empowering them and; • To establish ITC as an online presence in the supply of travel and tourism e-learning courses. ITC operates campuses in the central City, in South Auckland at Botany Town Centre and 1704AP17 Excellence, Integrity & Passion The International Travel College of NewZealand Ltd (ITC) is an award winning registered and accredited private training establishment, specifically aligned to the airline, tourismand travel sectors. ITC offers training programmes, bespoke training resources and support to schools and training organisations, on a nation-wide basis. We were fortunate to enjoy an in- depth interviewwithmarketing director, Claire Huxley to discover what the firmdoes and the current trends in the wider tourism industry today. has a study from home option for students that wish to pursue distance learning. The programmes that ITC delivers, run from New Zealand Certificates at Level 3 & 4, as well as New Zealand Diplomas at Level 5. Their vision is to be the first-choice travel and tourism training organisation for both New Zealanders and international students who want to study in the country. Marketing director, Claire Huxley starts the interview by revealing how ITC approaches new projects and provides a flavour of the firm’s internal culture. “All new projects ITC considers, undertake a rigorous evaluation process starting with looking at what we want to achieve with this, what are the outcomes and how will this benefit the industry in which our firm works. A recent example, is the design of our new level 5 programme the Diploma in Tourism Management. An evaluation team was set up to consider the programme and design the overall aim, structure, graduate outcomes and the content. In this case, we analysed previous students’ comments, as well as current ones. “Also, importantly we had input from our advisory board, indeed many members are leading organisations in the travel and tourism industries in New Zealand. Their input into the actual programme itself and what they expect the students to do, once they graduate is invaluable. Our education and academic teams take this into account and consider students’ needs and different learning styles. Once approved, programmes are regularly monitored to ensure relevancy to the industry. Quality circles and consistency reviews take place, to receive and analyse feedback from employers, students and teaching staff.” Claire then highlights ITC’s philosophy and their staff training and development programme. “ITC’s philosophy has been translated into a culture that permeates throughout the college. The passion for the industry, the commitment to excellence and attention to detail and absolute focus on delivering the best customer experience, is unmatched in the sector today. This philosophy ensures we strive to exceed customer expectations – both internal and external. We want to be good people – good to our staff, customers, suppliers, industry partners and government agencies. “The firm never underestimate the role we play in our students’ lives and of the opportunity given to us - to not just educate but to be a guiding influence so that students’ lives are changed - their horizons broadened and their career goals realised. We encourage a sense of fun in the workplace and actively work at the creation and delivery of events for both students and for staff, that foster team spirit, lift morale and provide a series of high points of celebration and commemoration throughout the year. “ITC’s staff training and development programme is closely linked with our vision and supports lifelong learning, to help people achieve their full potential. All tutors have worked in the industry and hold adult teaching qualifications. Staff are encouraged and 100% sponsored in their training and development activities, which are relevant to their role within the organisation.” All members of staff share in our successes and have the chance to contribute to the direction of ITC in several areas, Claire tells us. She also underlines what