HSHM hosts its first World Tourism Day International Conference

The event was conducted around this year’s theme “Rethinking Tourism”.

The keynote speakers at the occasion were Dr. Syed Habib Ali Bokhari, VC, Kohsar University Murree, Dr. Ali Sajid, Director Lahore School of Management TI, AVM Ejaz Mahmood Malik, Tourism Development Consultant, Mr. Haseeb A. Gardezi, COO, Hospitality and Education Division, Hashoo Group, Brig (R) Dr Fiaz Mahmood Qamer, Head of Group Security and Vigilance, Hashoo Group and Maj Faisal Naeem Khan Director Education, HSHM.

Mr. Simon Cleaver, Director of Partnerships at CTH joined the event via video conferencing. Mr. Simon highlighted that Pakistan, with its historic architecture, spectacular scenery and delicious cuisine has long term tourism development opportunities. Most importantly, the people of Pakistan are known for their hospitality and the region is therefore well-placed to grow its tourism income. Investment in skills training for those entering or already within the industry is key to this growth. The natural talent of young people needs to be carefully nurtured to achieve their full potential. Mr. Asad Warraich, CTH Country Representative in Pakistan, also attended the conference at PC Rawalpindi and congratulated the HSHM team for organizing such an important event.

The event was attended by a number of senior executives from CTTI Islamabad, Hashoo Group and faculty members and students from HSHM Islamabad as well as Peshawar Campus. Prof. Saloomeh Tabari from Cardiff University, UK and Dr. Gul Erkol Bayram from Sinop University, Turkey joined via zoom session as guest speakers. The event also included an art exhibition, a photography competition followed by lunch at Pearl-Continental Hotel Rawalpindi.

On the occasion Mr. Haseeb A. Gardezi said “World tourism Day is celebrated each year to highlight the significance of tourism as a tool for global development and cultural enlightenment, along with its impact on our society. As emphasized by this year’s theme of World Tourism Day, ‘Rethinking Tourism’, we aim to focus on rethinking tourism for development through education and jobs, and tourism’s impact on the planet and opportunities to grow more sustainably.” Addressing the HSHM students, he further added “You have joined a prestigious profession with a bright future. Study well and gain hands-on experiences at Hashoo Hotels so you can assume the role of future leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry with the correct skill set.”

The closing session of the conference included prize distribution of photography and art competition, and certificates for the participants.

This conference served as the global observance day fostering awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals in Pakistan.