Media release
14 September 2009
For immediate release
Trail blazing in tourism and hospitality
Armed with international training and experience 23 young Papua New Guineans are set to give the Tourism and Hospitality industry a boost.
The men and women graduated yesterday at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Port Moresby after a six month course offered by the Australian Pacific Technical College (APTC) campuses in Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa.
Speaking at the graduation, Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Chris Moraitis, said the graduates bring back skills and experience which will not only serve them well in their career but will help advance the tourism and hospitality industry in PNG.
“I applaud your career choice. You are not only entering a fledging industry in PNG but one which has massive potential and endless opportunities for growth,” said Mr Moraitis.
Stephanie Popei, employed as the Meeting Director at Crowne Plaza Hotel, praised APTC for giving her the opportunity to achieve her Certificates III and IV in Tourism and Hospitality, at its Samoa Campus.
“APTC has helped me in my career development, the courses have given me more confidence and a clear picture of what hospitality is all about. I believe the whole experience will help me contribute immensely to the Hotel Industry in PNG,” said Ms Popei.
“Stephanie has come back with many new ideas. The APTC program has broadened her horizons and made her more receptive to change. Crowne Plaza will definitely benefit from that,” said Tim Pollock, Ms Popei’s Manager and General Manager of Crowne Plaza, Port Moresby.
The 23 former students were part of a batch of 160 pupils from all over the Pacific who studied Tourism and Hospitality, first semester in Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa APTC campuses.
APTC is an Australian Government initiative which offers Australian standard skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers throughout the Pacific especially where skilled employees are in high demand.