The Pakistan NextGen Hospitality Challenge 2025, organized by the College of Tourism & Hotel Management (COTHM), brought together hospitality leaders, mentors, and students to celebrate the spirit of innovation, service, and learning.

Addressing the participants, Masood Ali Khan, CEO of Sumo & Mandarin Kitchen restaurants, underscored the essence of people-centered hospitality, stating:
“Hospitality is about people. Respect, care, and passion for service will always distinguish you as true professionals.”

The event gathered talented teams from COTHM campuses nationwide, competing in diverse categories such as Front Office Management, Food & Beverage, Sales & Marketing Management, Strategic Thinking in Hospitality, and Tourist Destination Management.

The presence of international figures like Dr. Rick Stephen, Vice President of Worldchefs, and Mel Nathan, Founder of Executive Chefs Club Australia, alongside Pakistan’s top hospitality professionals, amplified the significance of the event.

COTHM’s leadership reiterated its commitment to shaping the future of hospitality education, while voices like Masood Ali Khan’s reminded students that professional excellence in hospitality is rooted in respect, care, and passion for people.