The College of Tourism & Hotel Management (COTHM) hosted the first-ever NexGen Hospitality Challenge Lahore at the historic Faletti’s Hotel. This groundbreaking event set a new benchmark in Pakistan’s hospitality and tourism education.
A Grand Beginning
The challenge started with the arrival of teams from COTHM campuses in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Karachi, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, New Garden Town, and Johar Town. A photography session energized participants before the competitions began. Babar Shaikh introduced the teams and explained the categories:
- Front Office Management
- Food & Beverage / Restaurant
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Sales & Marketing Management
- Strategic Thinking in Hospitality
- Tourist Destination Management
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem.
Inauguration by Global Leaders
The inauguration was performed by:
- Dr. Rick Stephen, Vice President of Worldchefs
- Mel Nathan, CEO & Founder of Executive Chefs Club Australia
- Ahmad Shafiq, CEO of COTHM
- Zaheer Ahmad, COO of COTHM
- Ms. Zainab Shafiq, CEO of Chocolate Academy
Competitions and Activities
The day featured multiple structured sessions:
- Opening Ceremony & Welcome Address by Ahmad Shafiq
- Masterclass on SOPs, Rules, and Regulations
- Online Guest Speaker Session
- Industry Visits with live marketing simulations
- Hotel immersion experiences and heritage walks
At Faletti’s Hotel, participants attended ice-breaking sessions, case study briefings, team quizzes, catering plan presentations, and budget strategy discussions.
Inspiring Words from Industry Experts
Industry leaders motivated the youth with valuable insights:
Ahmad Shafiq: “Hospitality and management lie in our genes. Since 2002, COTHM has been uplifting young talent.”
Majid Bhatti (Royal Swiss Lahore): “Stay creative and lead Pakistan’s hospitality sector globally.”
Salman Asif (Four Points by Sheraton): “Hospitality is passion. Keep learning to shape international tourism.”
Ms. Zainab Shafiq (Chocolate Academy): “Combine passion with discipline to transform Pakistan’s hospitality industry.”
Mel Nathan (Australia): “Innovation is the heartbeat of hospitality. Challenge norms to stand out.”
Dr. Rick Stephen (Worldchefs): “Pakistan’s youth can compete globally with consistency and professionalism.”
Nisar Chaudhry (Yum Group): “Discipline, teamwork, and creativity are the keys to success.”
Masood Ali Khan (Sumo & Mandarin Kitchen): “Hospitality is about people, care, and passion.”
Annual Global Platform for Talent
After motivational speeches, Babar Shaikh announced team formations and the start of industry tours. The NexGen Hospitality Challenge Lahore will now continue as an annual event, setting international benchmarks and showcasing Pakistan’s growing role in global hospitality.
