Press release CH9/2006
ITC Celebrates being Ten!
September 15th marked a significant occasion for the Directors and staff of The International Travel College of New
Zealand, as they joined together with 100 special guests to celebrate their first decade in business!
Many of the original ITC team, industry advisory members, key suppliers, family and friends, helped to mark the occasion
in style with a magnificent Italian Banquet at the Montecristo Room in Aucklands’ Toto’s restaurant – a venue that must
be one of the best in town to hold such a party!
“This has been such a special night’ said College founder, Karen Houston, “Looking back over these years has been a real
trip down memory lane – seeing all the old staff and students, and reflecting back on the challenges and achievements
we’ve shared together.”
There was hardly a dry eye in the house as the guests paid special tributes to Karen and the ITC team. Recognition was
made of the way in which ITC has set the standard in vocational training in New Zealand, bringing creativity, innovation
and all-round business excellence. “My business partner and I brought 20 years each of travel and tourism industry
experience into the business venture” said Karen, “We had a vision of a training organization that would provide a great
working environment, a motivational and inspiring learning experience for the students, and one that could provide the
best graduates for our industries. That vision has been sustained for ten years, and continues to be at the heart of
everything we do”
And has it worked?! Repeat winners in the NZ Tourism Awards and holders of the prestigious ISO 9001:200 quality award,
students have flocked to the College, and growth from the original 80 students to around 600 this year confirms ITC’s
place as the standout market leader.
“The outstanding business results are the real ‘proof in the pudding’ of their success,” said Andy Leader Advisory Board
member and QED associates Director. “I’m extremely proud of Karen and the ITC team – they are passionate about their
work, their industry, and their students.” He said.
The high point of the night was the presentation of a magnificent birthday cake – a huge and very lifelike three
dimensional ‘Humphrey’ camel a key icon in their unique advertising campaigns.
After ten years, what’s next for ITC?
“Our focus on quality, student outcomes, and commitment to meeting changing industry needs will continue to drive our
business.” Said Karen. “Our expansion into online and blended learning will help us to compete increasingly in the
global market, and even though we’re tucked away here deep in the South Pacific we are working at the leading edge of
our sector – and still have heaps of untapped potential. Its been an exciting and tough ten years - and I’ve loved
almost every bit of it!”
ENDS