In the heart of Lae, a city known for its industrial strength and historical significance, stands the iconic Lae International Hotel—an enduring testament to the vision and resilience of Sir Bob Sinclair. What began as a historic property owned by Qantas in the 1950s has, through determination and unwavering commitment, transformed into a premier establishment that embodies world-class hospitality in Papua New Guinea.
A Vision Takes Flight
Sir Bob Sinclair’s journey began in 1978,
when he, along with his partners Graeme Dunnage, Graham Francis, John Haugie,
and Robin Kumaina, took a bold step in acquiring the property from Air Niugini.
At the time, Papua New Guinea was still finding its footing after independence,
and opportunities to invest in such ventures were rare and fraught with
obstacles.
Despite their passion, the consortium faced
significant roadblocks. The Morobe Provincial Government, under Premier Utula
Samana, refused to engage in the project, leaving the group to fund the venture
independently. Corporate giants like Steamships sought to acquire the hotel,
yet Sir Bob remained steadfast in his vision. He was determined that Lae
International Hotel would not just be another commercial property but a symbol
of excellence for the people of Papua New Guinea.
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| An aerial view of Lae International Hotel Click to watch Sir Bob Sinclair tells the story of Lae International Hotel in this video interview: |
Recalling a critical moment, Sir Bob
shared: “We went to the provincial government to ask if they were interested in
taking shares in the hotel. Unfortunately, at the time, Utula Samana wouldn’t
see us. He kept sitting in his office while we waited outside. John Haugie and
Robin Kumaina got upset because we were left waiting for hours. Eventually,
Samana stormed out of his office yelling, ‘Get out of my office!’” This
unexpected resistance led to the partners increasing their own stakes in the
hotel, ensuring it remained independent.
Overcoming Challenges, Building a Legacy
With resilience and business acumen, Sir
Bob and his partners nurtured the hotel, ensuring that it would not only meet
international standards but also serve as a source of employment and
professional growth for young Papua New Guineans. From its modest beginnings as
the TAA Lodge, the hotel grew into a world-class facility, offering top-tier
hospitality and amenities that rival those of international luxury
establishments.
One of the greatest challenges came from
corporate competitors who sought to acquire the hotel. Sir Bob vividly recalls:
“Sir Danny Leahy and Sir Mike Bromley from Steamships always wanted to buy the
Lae International Hotel. But I told them, ‘If you got the Lae International
Hotel, you’d stuff it up!’ I told their chairman, ‘You guys don’t maintain your
hotels, you don’t put the money back in. If you got the Lae International,
you’d ruin it.’” His unwavering commitment ensured that the hotel remained independent
and continuously reinvested in quality and service.
One of Sir Bob’s most cherished
achievements is the employment and mentorship of young Papua New Guineans.
“Some of the staff are only 19, 20, or 21 years old, and they’re learning how
to serve and interact with international guests. It broadens their view of
life, gives them confidence, and makes them feel they have a future.” Many of
the hotel’s employees have grown in their careers, taking the skills learned at
Lae International Hotel to greater opportunities.
An Unwavering Commitment to Excellence
Over the years, Lae International Hotel has
undergone a remarkable K30 million renovation, ensuring that it continues to
set the standard for hospitality in Papua New Guinea. Sir Bob’s meticulous
attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the hotel—from the
beautifully landscaped gardens to the locally crafted furniture that adds a
unique touch of Papua New Guinean heritage to the interiors.
“This is the hotel I built,” Sir Bob
proudly states. “Even the Prime Minister and the Governor have given me their
best wishes for the hotel, recognising it as the leading international hotel in
Lae.” His dedication to maintaining world-class standards has set the hotel
apart from others in the country.
Beyond aesthetics, the hotel stands as a
beacon of quality service, with staff trained to offer an exceptional
experience to visitors from around the world. International guests, accustomed
to the finest accommodations globally, step into Lae International Hotel and
are consistently amazed at the level of comfort and hospitality it offers.
“I’ve had guests like Ray Warren, the famous rugby league commentator, come to
Lae. They drive on terrible roads from the airport and wonder what they’ve
gotten themselves into. But then they arrive at the hotel, step inside, and
stand there amazed. They can’t believe that such a building exists in Lae.”
A Lasting Impact
At 81 years old, Sir Bob looks back on his
journey with immense pride. His determination to build an establishment that
represents excellence, fosters economic growth, and uplifts the people of Papua
New Guinea has paid off. His leadership has not only shaped Lae International
Hotel but has also inspired countless aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation.
His story is one of courage, resilience,
and an unshakable belief in the potential of Papua New Guinea. It is proof that
with passion and perseverance, even the most formidable challenges can be
overcome.
Lae International Hotel is more than just a
hotel—it is a legacy. It is a symbol of what can be achieved when visionaries
refuse to compromise on their dreams. And as it continues to flourish, it
remains a shining beacon of inspiration for future generations of Papua New
Guinean entrepreneurs.
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