By GEORGINA MICHAEL
THE InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) PNG has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Caritas Business College at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby.
The MoU formalises the long-standing partnership between Caritas Business College and IHG PNG, reaffirming their commitment to continued collaboration in the years ahead.
Portfolio General Manager for IHG in PNG, Mrs. Anne Busfield, described the MoU as a milestone event between Caritas and IHG PNG.
“The signing is more than an MoU, it is about forming a partnership and creating opportunities for a bright future for Papua New Guineans and the industry itself in PNG,” said Mrs. Busfield.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mrs. Busfield said IHG PNG focuses on people and is committed to improving local talent and supporting the communities in which the business operates.
“Through this partnership we have an opportunity to provide students who are studying at Caritas the opportunity to experience work and life across all our hotels whilst helping them to build their confidence, knowledge and most importantly to shape their future careers,” she said.
She acknowledged and thanked Caritas for their trust in partnering with IHG PNG and called for collaboration through shared commitment to empower young people and help communities in PNG.
Mrs. Busfield noted that the agreement is a long-term agreement and not only for 12 months, emphasizing that this is a commitment to developing young people because they are the future of the tourism and hospitality industry in PNG.
“PNG has an incredible potential in the tourism industry, particularly with the NRL coming up. We see the PNG NRL Chiefs as a very strong platform to be driving the tourism industry, so we are excited and very confident in the future of tourism in Papua New Guinea,” she said.
In response, Directress of Caritas Business College Sr. Mazzarello Choi thanked IHG PNG for giving students the opportunity to apply what they learn in class in a working environment.
“We are very thankful for this opportunity to let our students learn and gain hands-on experience and skills to uplift their ability to adapt wherever they are working so that they can apply their knowledge and skills,” Sr. Choi said.
She said it was a great initiative and hopes these chances will expand to their secondary school and other flexible learning centres.