COTHM Pakistan hosted a distinguished gathering bringing together leading figures from government, academia, international development, and the tourism and hospitality sector to discuss opportunities for strengthening Pakistan’s tourism industry through education, professional training, skills development, and international collaboration.
The gathering was honored by the presence of Her Excellency Ina Lepel, Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, whose participation added an important international dimension to the event and highlighted the potential for stronger Pakistan-Germany cooperation in education, tourism, professional training, and human resource development.
The distinguished gathering also included Socrat Aman Rana, Secretary, Tourism, Archaeology & Museums Department, Government of Punjab; Rana Aftab, Managing Director, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC); Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab; and Klaus Kreutz, International Tourism Trainer and Former GIZ/CIM Tourism Expert.
The presence of senior representatives from government, academia, tourism institutions, and international development expertise created a valuable platform for meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange. Discussions focused on the importance of building stronger connections between educational institutions, government bodies, industry stakeholders, and international partners to develop Pakistan’s tourism and hospitality workforce.
A major focus of the gathering was the enormous potential of Pakistan as a tourism destination. With its diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, historical sites, culinary traditions, and unique travel experiences, Pakistan offers significant opportunities for tourism development. Participants emphasized that realizing this potential requires a highly skilled, professionally trained, and internationally competitive workforce.
The discussion also highlighted the growing importance of sustainable tourism, international standards, industry-academia linkages, professional hospitality education, and global exposure. Developing these areas can help prepare young Pakistanis for emerging careers while strengthening the country’s position within the international tourism and hospitality market.
COTHM Pakistan emphasized its belief that education is the foundation of a successful tourism and hospitality industry. Through practical education, industry engagement, international exposure, and professional training, students can develop the skills and confidence required to compete in an increasingly globalized industry.
The gathering further demonstrated the value of bringing together diverse areas of expertise. German international experience, Punjab’s tourism leadership, Pakistan’s national tourism institutions, academic knowledge, and professional hospitality training created a strong platform for exploring future collaboration and opportunities.
Such partnerships can play an important role in connecting students and young professionals with industry leaders, government institutions, universities, and international experts. This approach allows education to extend beyond the classroom and provides learners with greater awareness of international standards, career pathways, and global opportunities.
COTHM Pakistan expressed its sincere gratitude to Her Excellency Ina Lepel, Socrat Aman Rana, Rana Aftab, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, and Klaus Kreutz for their valuable presence, insights, and contribution to the dialogue.
The gathering reaffirmed a shared vision of developing a stronger, more sustainable, and globally connected tourism and hospitality industry in Pakistan. Through education, skills, collaboration, and international partnerships, Pakistan’s young talent can be better prepared to contribute to the future growth of the country’s tourism economy.
COTHM Pakistan — Empowering Skills. Connecting the World.
