Tuesday, December 17, 2024
IHG Hotels & Resorts Champions Inclusive Growth with Empowerment Initiatives for Rural Women
China continues to drive progress toward inclusive workplaces and equitable job opportunities in alignment with its socio-economic development goals. IHG Hotels & Resorts, anchored by its guiding principle of “True Hospitality for Good,” remains committed to cultivating a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Partnering with the Ant Foundation, IHG amplifies its efforts to uplift rural communities through the innovative “Cyber Mulan” Homestay Manager Training Project. This initiative provides comprehensive tools and diverse career pathways to empower women, especially in the hospitality industry.
On December 6, IHG Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with the Ant Foundation, hosted the “Cyber Mulan” Homestay Manager Training Project at Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Science City. The event showcased their shared commitment to empowering rural women through advanced, AI-powered training programs. With growing support from hotels nationwide, this initiative focuses on delivering specialized skills training, practical internships, and viable career opportunities, all contributing to the overarching goal of driving rural development and revitalization.
Rita Jiang, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer, IHG Greater China, said: “Cultivating talent is key to revitalizing rural economies. As a people-centric enterprise, we take the career development of our employees and women in our communities very seriously. Our cooperation with Ant Foundation provides a valuable platform for female cultural and hospitality talents to improve their skills and realize their career potential. This program represents our ongoing commitment to social responsibility in addition to our priorities in providing great experiences for our employees. Moreover, IHG works closely with local institutions to provide more opportunities for women and special groups in society, actively promoting workplace inclusivity and diversity.”
Wang Xiaojing, Secretary-General of Ant Foundation, said: “Those managers come from the countryside and bring with them a love for their hometowns, which they pass on to visitors from all over the world. We look forward to providing them with professional skillsets through IHG. With the ‘Cyber Mulan’ program, we continue to invest in women’s development and are working hard to connect with more partners who share the same cause. Ant Foundation and IHG Hotels & Resorts have come together to make lasting impacts in this field. In the future, we look forward to bringing more attention to women’s development and making a positive difference in the lives of women in rural areas.”
Bridging Opportunities Through Training and Development
The “Cyber Mulan” Homestay Manager Training Project is a pioneering initiative driven by the Department of Market Management of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the China Foundation for Rural Development, and the Zhejiang Ant Foundation. This program aims to empower rural women by equipping them with digital skills and creating employment opportunities within the cultural tourism and hospitality sectors. Acknowledging the importance of this profession, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security officially recognized “Homestay Manager” as an official occupation in 2022.
Renewing its commitment in 2024, IHG Hotels & Resorts has expanded its partnership with the Ant Foundation to scale up opportunities for women across underserved communities.
The training program takes a twofold approach. First, participants receive immersive training in hospitality essentials, including guest services, operational processes, and safety protocols. Key focus areas such as customer relations, food and beverage services, room management, and fire safety are taught by seasoned professionals, including hotel department leaders. Second, the program bridges theory with practice by offering internships at participating IHG properties, ensuring hands-on learning. Trainees who excel may even secure employment opportunities beyond rural settings.
By 2024, the program extended its reach to include prominent hotels like Crowne Plaza Lanzhou, Holiday Inn Xi’an East, Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Science City, Crowne Plaza Hefei, Hotel Indigo Xiamen Haicang, and Hotel Indigo Changsha Meixi Lake, further strengthening opportunities for participants across key regions.
Advancing Women Leaders: Creating Pathways for Growth
Beyond foundational training, IHG aims to nurture future women leaders through Cyber Mulan’s leadership-focused modules. These programs integrate real-life success stories to inspire rural women, fostering confidence and equipping them to pursue ambitious career aspirations.
IHG further collaborates with government agencies, academic institutions, media, and other stakeholders to broaden the initiative’s reach. By showcasing the resilience and achievements of rural women, the program seeks to inspire communities nationwide. Its success blueprint is designed to scale into new regions, opening doors for more women to explore careers in hospitality and related industries.
A Strong Commitment to Inclusion and Social Impact
IHG Hotels & Resorts remains steadfast in its mission to build an inclusive, supportive corporate culture. With initiatives targeted at marginalized groups, including women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, IHG fosters an environment where individuals can thrive.
Looking ahead, IHG will continue aligning with national priorities to promote empowerment, equity, and opportunity, reaffirming its role in building a more inclusive, equitable society for all.
Tags: china, China travel news, Hospitality Industry, hospitality sector, Hotel News, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Travel News, Women in Hospitality
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