Lahore witnessed a proud moment for Pakistan’s hospitality sector during the Pakistan NextGen Hospitality Challenge 2025, where Ahmad Shafiq, Founder/President & CEO of COTHM, addressed students, industry leaders, and mentors with an inspiring keynote speech.
Emphasizing COTHM’s unmatched contribution to the industry, he stated:
“COTHM has already delivered 75,000 skilled professionals to the industry, with 20,000 more on their way to shine and lead. We are the best hospitalitarians, and with the right handholding, we can excel in every walk of life.”
The ceremony hall was filled with enthusiasm as student teams representing COTHM campuses nationwide proudly participated. From their warm arrival and photography sessions to the vibrant networking opportunities, the environment reflected both professional excellence and youthful energy.
The award ceremony included competitions across six dynamic categories—Front Office Management, Food & Beverage/Restaurant Service, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sales & Marketing Management, Strategic Thinking in Hospitality, and Tourist Destination Management. Each showcased the innovation, teamwork, and leadership of Pakistan’s next generation of hospitality professionals.
Alongside the competitions, the event featured cultural performances and documentaries that highlighted Pakistan’s diverse traditions, with teams presenting their cities’ cultures and heritages. A captivating Sufi whirling dance and provincial performances like Punjab’s Bhangra, Sindh’s Jhummar, Balochistan’s Leva, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Attan added color and energy to the evening.
Acknowledging the collective effort, Ahmad Shafiq praised the dedication of COTHM faculty, mentors, and management teams. He further announced that COTHM will host another international hospitality event on April 8,9,10,11, 2026, reinforcing his commitment to creating more opportunities for global collaboration and growth.
The event concluded with awards, certificates, and special recognitions for students, mentors, and executive members, making it not just a competition but a celebration of Pakistan’s hospitality potential. The inspiring words of Ahmad Shafiq set the tone for the future, motivating students to step forward with confidence and passion as ambassadors of Pakistan’s growing hospitality industry.
