IHG and Ant Foundation Empower Rural Women Through ‘Cyber Mulan’ Homestay Manager Training
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has renewed its partnership with the Ant Foundation to support the “Cyber Mulan” Homestay Manager Training Project, aimed at providing career opportunities for rural women in China’s hospitality industry. Launched on December 6 at Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Science City, the program offers training in guest experience, service processes, and safety protocols, with hands-on internship opportunities at IHG hotels. The initiative helps equip women with valuable skills and leadership potential, promoting inclusivity and rural revitalization. IHG continues to support women’s career development and diversity within its workforce.
(PRESS RELEASE) Shanghai, China, 2024-Dec-18 — /Travel PR News/ — China continues to foster inclusive workplace practices and equal employment opportunities, aligning with its ongoing socio-economic development. IHG Hotels & Resorts, guided by its core philosophy of “True Hospitality for Good,” remains steadfast in its commitment to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment for all its employees. In its latest move, IHG deepens its partnership with the Ant Foundation through the “Cyber Mulan” Homestay Manager Training Project, aimed at enhancing career opportunities for women in the hospitality industry, particularly in rural areas.
On December 6, at Crowne Plaza Hangzhou Science City, IHG and the Ant Foundation hosted the launch event for the “Cyber Mulan” initiative, highlighting the organizations’ shared commitment to supporting rural women through training in artificial intelligence and hospitality management. With an increasing number of participating hotels, this program is designed to offer women in rural areas the chance to develop diverse skills and pursue fulfilling career paths, all while contributing to rural revitalization efforts.
Rita Jiang, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer for IHG Greater China, emphasized the importance of talent development in rural economies: “At IHG, we are deeply focused on the career progression of women in our communities. Our partnership with Ant Foundation offers a unique platform for female talents in culture and hospitality to enhance their skills and unlock their full potential. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to social responsibility and a diverse workplace, alongside our goal to provide exceptional experiences for both our employees and guests.”
Wang Xiaojing, Secretary-General of the Ant Foundation, expressed the organization’s enthusiasm for continuing its collaboration with IHG: “Many of the managers in the ‘Cyber Mulan’ program come from rural areas and carry a deep love for their hometowns, which they share with visitors. Through this program, we are equipping them with valuable professional skills, with the hope of expanding opportunities for women’s development. Our partnership with IHG is a significant step in advancing these efforts, and we are eager to work with more partners to create lasting change for women in rural communities.”
The “Cyber Mulan” Homestay Manager Training Project, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the China Foundation for Rural Development, and the Zhejiang Ant Foundation, aims to provide digital employment opportunities in the rural cultural tourism sector. Recognized as a new profession in 2022 by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, “Homestay Manager” is rapidly becoming an important role in rural revitalization. This year, IHG is once again partnering with Ant Foundation to offer more women access to career advancement opportunities.
The program provides practical training for rural women in key areas such as guest experience, service processes, safety protocols, and more. Courses are delivered by experts from participating IHG hotels, offering participants hands-on experience in customer service, room service, catering, and fire safety. Additionally, internship opportunities at IHG hotels allow participants to gain real-world insights and connect their learning with professional growth. Exceptional candidates will be eligible for employment opportunities with IHG in other locations, further broadening their career prospects.
As part of its commitment to leadership development, IHG plans to introduce leadership-focused sessions to the “Cyber Mulan” training program. These sessions will feature real success stories from women who have achieved leadership roles in the industry, aiming to inspire participants to explore their full potential, foster self-identity, and encourage career growth.
IHG is also working closely with various stakeholders, including government bodies, media, and academic institutions, to promote the program and amplify the successes of women in rural areas. Together, IHG and the Ant Foundation are creating a replicable model that can be expanded to other regions and demographics, ensuring that more rural women can achieve their career aspirations.
IHG’s long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its comprehensive support programs for employees from underrepresented groups, including women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Looking ahead, IHG will continue to support national initiatives aimed at empowering women and other special groups, playing a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive society.
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IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
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Media Contact:
张丹青 Dora Zhang
Dora.Zhang@ihg.com
Source: IHG
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