HP Newsroom
College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM), Pakistan’s leading institute in hospitality, travel, tourism, aviation, baking, food safety, and culinary arts, continued its mission of connecting Pakistan’s hospitality education sector with the global culinary community through active participation in the 41st World Association of Chefs’ Societies Congress & Expo 2026 held in Newport, Wales.
As an educational partner committed to international excellence, COTHM participated in the prestigious global forum alongside representatives of the Chefs Association of Pakistan (CAP), reinforcing Pakistan’s growing presence in the international gastronomy and hospitality landscape.
Representing Pakistan at the event were Ahmad Shafiq, Founder, President & CEO of COTHM, Mian Shahid Mehmood, Executive Director, COTHM Johar Town, and Usaid Ahmad, Operations Head of COTHM Karachi. The delegation actively engaged with international chefs, hospitality educators, gastronomy experts, and industry leaders from around the world.
COTHM’s participation reflected its broader vision of aligning Pakistan’s hospitality and culinary education standards with internationally recognized practices and professional benchmarks. During the Congress, the Pakistani delegation attended knowledge sessions, networking forums, exhibitions, and discussions focused on culinary innovation, sustainable gastronomy, hospitality trends, food safety, chef development, and modern culinary education.
As one of Pakistan’s most prominent hospitality education institutions, COTHM has consistently worked to bridge the gap between local talent and global industry requirements by introducing internationally relevant training programs, practical learning models, and professional certifications.
Speaking on the occasion, representatives of the delegation emphasized that participation in platforms like Worldchefs Congress is essential for the professional growth of Pakistan’s hospitality and culinary sectors. “COTHM strongly believes that international exposure and collaboration are key to developing world-class hospitality professionals in Pakistan. Events like Worldchefs Congress provide valuable opportunities to learn from global industry leaders and bring modern culinary practices back to Pakistan,” said Ahmad Shafiq.
The delegation also held discussions with Worldchefs leadership and renowned culinary professionals regarding future collaborations, chef exchange initiatives, educational partnerships, culinary competitions, and opportunities for Pakistani students and chefs on international platforms.
COTHM highlighted Pakistan’s evolving hospitality education sector and shared its ongoing efforts to prepare students according to international industry demands in hospitality management, tourism, culinary arts, baking and patisserie, aviation services, and food safety management. “Pakistan has extraordinary talent and potential in hospitality and culinary arts. Our objective is to equip students with globally competitive skills, practical exposure, and international opportunities so they can confidently represent Pakistan anywhere in the world,” Ahmad Shafiq added.
The Worldchefs Congress also featured keynote sessions by globally recognized culinary figures, including Marco Pierre White, alongside live culinary demonstrations, exhibitions, and the Global Chefs Challenge Finals.
Industry observers viewed COTHM’s participation in the international event as another significant step towards strengthening Pakistan’s image in the global hospitality and gastronomy sectors. By engaging with world culinary leaders and international institutions, COTHM continues to play a leading role in modernizing hospitality education and promoting Pakistan’s culinary identity at the international level.
Through continuous international engagement, industry partnerships, and participation in prestigious global forums, COTHM is steadily positioning Pakistan as an emerging contributor to the world’s hospitality and culinary landscape.
