Lahore witnessed a historic moment as the Pakistani NextGen Hospitality Challenge 2025 concluded with an inspiring award ceremony. The event served as a dynamic cross-national platform for students of hospitality, tourism, and hotel management from across all COTHM campuses, highlighting Pakistan’s growing contribution to the global hospitality sector.

The final day began with the arrival of student teams, warmly welcomed and photographed before entering the venue. Teams from 

COTHM New Garden Town Lahore

COTHM Johar Town Lahore

 COTHM Karachi

COTHM Islamabad 

COTHM Rawalpindi 

COTHM Multan

COTHM Bahawalpur 

COTHM Rahim Yar Khan

COTHM Sahiwal 

 

 

All these teams proudly participated, demonstrating their skills and passion.

Babar Sheikh, ceremony host, officially opened the ceremony with a warm welcome to participants, mentors, and distinguished guests. The program commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem.

 

Babar Sheikh, the ceremony host, also provided a detailed overview of the journey, while a recap of activities from the very first day to the grand finale was showcased, reminding everyone of the hard work, passion, and creativity displayed throughout the challenge.

 

 

Among the distinguished attendees were Ahmad Shafiq, Founder, President & CEO of COTHM, and Mel Nathan, CEO & Founder of Executive Chefs Club Australia and Publishing Editor of Food Companion Magazine, who graced the event with their presence.

In his keynote address, Ahmad Shafiq, Founder, President & CEO of COTHM, emphasized COTHM’s vital role in shaping the future of hospitality in Pakistan:

 “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.”

 

 

He also announced that COTHM is planning another international hospitality event on April 8,9,10,11, 2026, reflecting his continued vision to create opportunities for global collaboration.

Zainab Ahmad Shafiq, CEO of Chocolate Academy, the visionary behind the NextGen Hospitality Challenge, also addressed the gathering, stating:

 “This idea was inspired by leading international platforms, and it could only be realized through the support and hard work of everyone here. Together, we made it possible.”

 

 

Mian Shahid Mehmood, Executive Director of COTHM Johar Town, got the stage to share his thoughts, calling the event 

“Being a part of NextGen was an unexpectedly amazing experience that showcased young, international-level talent from across the nation.”

 

 

The highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of awards, where winners, runners-up, and outstanding teams were celebrated across six competitive categories:

• Front Office Management

• Food & Beverage / Restaurant Service

• Innovation & Entrepreneurship

• Sales & Marketing Management

• Strategic Thinking in Hospitality

• Tourist Destination Management

Founder, President & CEO of COTHM, Ahmad Shafiq, along with Mel Nathan, Founder of Executive Chefs Club Australia &Publishing Editor, Food Companion Magazine, Retired Col. Mubashir Javed, and Zahid Anjum, Honorary Consul of Kosovo, took the stage to honor the participants. Certificates and awards were presented to the winners, first runner-up, and second runner-up teams across all categories. In total, 36 teams from COTHM campuses nationwide competed in six dynamic categories, reflecting the innovation, skill, and dedication of Pakistan’s next generation of hospitality leaders.

 

All mentors and management teams from the participating campuses were honored with special gifts presented by Founder, President & CEO of COTHM, Ahmad Shafiq, as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication, guidance, and invaluable contributions to the success of the event, and special shields to executive members of all participants’ COTHM campuses.

 

 

The COTHM Head Office management and all contributor teams were also recognized for their hard work and commitment. As a token of appreciation, they were presented with gifts by the Founder, President & CEO, COTHM, Ahmad Shafiq, acknowledging their vital role in making the event a resounding success.

 

 

A cultural documentary contest was also held, where campuses showcased their regional traditions. Documentaries from Bahawalpur, Multan, and Lahore were screened, with Multan’s entry emerging as the winner, receiving its award from Ahmad Shafiq, Founder, President, and CEO of COTHM, and Waqas Raza, Executive Director of COTHM Multan.

The event concluded with group photographs of winners, runner-up teams, and mentors. 

Adding to the grandeur of the evening, a mesmerizing Sufi whirling performance captivated the audience, symbolizing Pakistan’s spiritual and artistic heritage. The celebration continued with vibrant cultural dance performances representing the four provinces:

• Punjab – energetic Bhangra

• Sindh – traditional Jhummar

• Balochistan – graceful Leva dance

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – dynamic Attan

The Pakistani NextGen Hospitality Challenge 2025 not only celebrated the talents of students but also reaffirmed COTHM’s pioneering role in developing Pakistan’s hospitality industry, bridging academia with the industry, and preparing the next generation of global leaders.