Three ITC graduates reminisce about their time with us for our 30th anniversary!

Graduate Eileen on International Day, representing Italian fashion with her group!

Earlier this week, we took a walk down memory lane with two of our industry partners from past years. Today, we’re reminiscing with three ITC graduates – all of which graduated a decade ago or more!

Sharon completed Level 3 and Level 4 of Travel and Tourism in the year 2016, and Eileen studied with us from 2012 to 2014 up to level 6 as an international student.

And for Vanessa, it all began more than 20 years ago in 2003! That’s when she graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Travel & Tourism. She then spent more than 20 years in the industry, and came full circle as she returned to ITC to work as the City Campus Course Advisor in 2023.

Here are some of their favourite memories, what they’re up to now, and more!  

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ITC Celebrates 30 Years: Memory Lane with our Industry Partners

Roy’s most recent visit to ITC!

ITC is celebrating 30 years of being one of the most trusted providers of tourism and aviation education in New Zealand.

As part of our celebrations, we reached out to old graduates, tutors, industry partners, and others who have been part of our story… then we watched the memories roll in!

Two of the first to respond were Andrea Cameron and Roy Quispe. Both were industry partners, with Roy working with us through Disney International Programs.

“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and recruiting many incredible ITC students and graduates over the years, helping them take their talents from New Zealand all the way to Walt Disney World!” said Roy.

Walk down memory lane with us as we share more about these two fantastic humans!

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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.