PNG’S TURN TO RAISE THE SHERATON FLAG

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

TODAY the Sheraton flag has officially been raised in Papua New Guinea for the first time, with the former Stanley Hotel reopening as Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites under Marriott International’s global hospitality network.

Speaking at the soft launch Richard Crawford, Vice President of Hotel Development for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific at Marriott International, described the occasion as a significant milestone for both Marriott International and Papua New Guinea, with the hotel becoming the country’s first Sheraton property and joining the global brand’s growing presence across the Pacific.

Mr Crawford said the opening marks the arrival of Papua New Guinea’s first Sheraton hotel and the 10th Sheraton property in the Pacific region, reflecting Marriott International’s commitment to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

Reflecting on the journey He said Marriott saw the potential of the hotel from the very beginning, recalling that when he first walked into the property 4 years ago, he immediately recognised it as an opportunity to bring an international brand to Papua New Guinea because it was already a beautiful hotel.

Mr Crawford said discussions with the owners focused on how to place an internationally recognised brand on the property so the country could welcome more visitors from around the world while giving Papua New Guineans a hotel they could be proud of.

He praised the owners RH Group for their vision and investment, describing them as an outstanding corporate citizen committed to Papua New Guinea’s development.

Crawford explained that Sheraton was chosen because its identity is centred on connection and community say that is not just for Marriott Bonvoy members coming from far and wide but also for the locals which will be a place to unite, celebrate, have fun and work.

He also assured guests that while the hotel now carries a global brand, its Papua New Guinean identity will remain.
“I’ve heard a lot of talk about an international brand changing the vibe of the Stanley. It won’t happen,” he said.
Crawfor said “As I look around me now, what I see is what we need to honour, and you have our commitment that we will do that.”

Meanwhile, welcoming the launch, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop described the partnership between Marriott International and the RH Group as an important milestone not only for the businesses involved but also for Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea.

Governor Parkop said the arrival of the Sheraton brand was a “stamp of approval” for the capital city and the country, saying it sends a strong message to investors and visitors that Papua New Guinea is ready to compete on the global stage.

He said Papua New Guinea has enormous tourism potential through its rich cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes and more than 800 languages, adding that a world-class hospitality brand such as Sheraton will help showcase the country’s unique attractions while encouraging more international visitors to experience what the nation has to offer.