Tegan Worthington graduated from Queenstown Resort College with a Diploma in Hospitality Management in 2016 and has since built an exciting career in Queenstown’s tourism industry. She is currently the Sales & Product Development Manager at Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, where she has spent the past three and a half years travelling both domestically and internationally to promote the company and the stunning Southern Lakes region. In her role, Tegan develops new tourism products and helps create unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world.
“Embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity — you never know where a career in hospitality and adventure tourism might take you.”
Q&A with Tegan
Why did you choose to study Hospitality Management/Adventure Tourism Management?
Having worked in customer focused roles growing up and having a love for travel & tourism, it was a no brainer. Also, I have a soft spot for Queenstown! who wouldn’t want to live and work in the most beautiful place in the world.
What was the most memorable part of your time at QRC?
The incredible opportunities that were presented to us and also the life-long friends I’ve made.
Where did you complete your internship?
I completed my Internship at Millbrook Resort as Receptionist. Patience and attention to detail is everything. Every guest needs and wants are different but it’s how you manage and adjust to the occasion that make the difference to any situation.
What has your journey been like since QRC?
Since graduating from QRC, I returned to Millbrook Resort full-time as Receptionist and moved into reservations as Groups Reservations Specialist. I then moved over to Hotel St Moritz which is part of Accor Hotels as Receptionist – entered into a Receptionist of the year comp and came first in the South Island and competed in Nationals. Promoted to Assistant Manager then quickly into Groups Exec. Then was offered a new role as Sales Manager for both Hotel St Moritz & Sofitel Queenstown. in my current role I have travelled domestically, and internationally – Australia multiple times and America twice (LA, Texas, Chicago, San Franisco) next year I’m doing a UK/Europe & US trip and will pop over to our neighbours in Aussie!
Where are you working now?
Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters as Sales & Product Development Manager
Can you share a proud moment or significant achievement from your career?
I think every new role I’ve worked towards and gained is a huge achievement and makes me proud of what I’ve accomplished. But also coming first place as Receptionist of the year in the South Island.
How did QRC prepare you for the challenges of your career?
Having the opportunity to do placement work during Term 1 & 2 and allowing us to get an insight into the industry and what to expect but also learning in the classroom the scenarios we might experience. Then stepping into our internship roles and having such incredible management and colleagues who stood by us and guided us through the challenges.
What do you love most about working in the Hospitality/Adventure Tourism industry
The endless opportunities, how diverse the role is and the people you get to meet along the way, whether it’s the guests, clients or industry partners
What excites you about the future of Hospitality/Adventure Tourism?
What excites me most is the move toward highly personalised, experience-led travel. Guests are seeking meaningful, authentic moments — not just a service, but something truly memorable. In adventure tourism, that means creating seamless, safe, and sustainable access to extraordinary places. Being part of an industry that connects people to nature in such a powerful way is incredibly rewarding and inspiring.
Do you have any advice for prospective students considering QRC?
Hospitality and adventure tourism are fast-paced and people-focused, so being proactive, adaptable, and open to learning will set you apart. If you’re passionate about creating exceptional experiences, QRC provides a fantastic foundation to launch from.
What advice would you give current QRC students?
Embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity, and make the most of each experience – you never know where a career in hospitality and adventure tourism might take you.
Any exciting plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to purchasing my first home here in Queenstown, growing my career and making Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters a household name.
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From her first steps in hospitality at QRC to representing Queenstown’s tourism industry around the world, Tegan’s story shows just how far a passion for hospitality can take you. It’s safe to say she has landed somewhere pretty incredible!
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