In a landmark development for Pakistan’s hospitality and education landscape, leading international academic figures and industry experts convened in Lahore to explore new avenues of collaboration aimed at enhancing skill development, academic excellence, and global industry integration.
The high-profile delegation included Richard Sprenger, President of Highfield UK; Bastien Blanc, CEO of PC Hospitality (Hashoo Group); Salma Butt, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Punjab on Price Control; and Prof. Dr. Zaib-un-Nisa Hussain, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Home Economics (UHE) Lahore.
The engagement focused on strengthening Pakistan’s rapidly expanding hospitality and tourism education sector through international accreditation frameworks, industry-led training models, and enhanced academic-industry partnerships.
Addressing the gathering, Richard Sprenger emphasized the importance of globally recognized qualifications in developing a competitive workforce and reaffirmed Highfield UK’s commitment to supporting institutions in Pakistan with international training standards.
Bastien Blanc highlighted emerging global trends in hospitality management and the increasing demand for highly skilled professionals. He noted that Pakistan has strong potential to emerge as a regional hub for hospitality excellence with continued investment in education and industry collaboration.
Salma Butt appreciated the initiative and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting partnerships that enhance consumer protection, market regulation, and workforce development, while creating meaningful employment opportunities for youth.
Prof. Dr. Zaib-un-Nisa Hussain emphasized the university’s dedication to academic innovation, research advancement, and industry engagement, highlighting the importance of bridging theoretical knowledge with practical industry needs.
A key highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the Centre of Hygiene and Food Safety, jointly explored and endorsed by all distinguished guests. The center was inaugurated in the presence of Ahmad Shafiq, Founder, President, and CEO of COTHM, and Zainab Ahmed Shafiq, CEO of Chocolate Academy Pakistan. The facility is designed to promote international standards of food safety, hygiene practices, and professional training within the hospitality sector.
The visit concluded with discussions on future collaborations, joint academic programs, and training initiatives aimed at elevating Pakistan’s hospitality education to global benchmarks. The engagement reflected a shared vision among international and local stakeholders to strengthen the country’s position in the global education and hospitality industry.
