In late 2025, Tour Time’s Managing Director Brent Imrie and senior team member Vikki Millar represented New Zealand at two significant international education and student travel forums in Hangzhou, China - the China – United States Study Tour Forum and the WTA Xianghu Dialogue 2025.
Their presence at these high-level gatherings reflects Tour Time’s commitment to ensuring New Zealand schools remain connected to the global conversations shaping international education travel. Importantly, our team is not simply attending these forums but actively contributing as trusted voices within the global student travel sector.
At the China-US Study Travel Dialogue, Brent delivered a keynote address alongside international education leaders, highlighting the transformative impact of study travel on young people and the growing importance of cross-cultural collaboration in a changing global landscape. His contribution reinforced the role that well-designed, values-led travel programmes play in developing globally competent students.
Vikki was invited to participate as a panelist, contributing to discussions on sustainability, emerging technologies, and ethical practice in international student travel. She spoke to the role of green technologies in reducing carbon impact, and the importance of cultural awareness and responsible use of artificial intelligence - areas of increasing relevance for schools and families.
In his capacity as President of the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), Brent also explored future opportunities for China-focused study tours, particularly in culture, language, music, sport, and STEM.
Brent and Vikki did TV interviews and podcasts and met with the Governors of Hangzhou to discuss future collaboration for New Zealand groups to experience everything Hangzhou offers. From robots walking the streets to autonomous cars, Hangzhou’s reputation as a centre of innovation and technology presents compelling possibilities for future-focused educational programmes.
Why this matters for Independent Schools
For school leaders, international travel is about more than destinations - it is about quality, safety, relevance, and global connection. By engaging directly with international partners and industry leaders, Tour Time ensures our programmes reflect global best practice and evolving educational priorities.
Brent and Vikki’s participation reinforces Tour Time’s commitment to maintaining a respected international voice, building strong global relationships, and shaping future-ready opportunities for New Zealand’s independent schools.
