Zubair Qureshi
Partnering with one of the world’s leading hospitality management schools, Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) Switzerland, Serena Hotels on Sunday unveiled a premium hospitality executive education programme for the capacity building of senior-to-mid-level executives of Pakistan’s tourism and services sector.
The launching ceremony was attended by a large number of dignitaries, members of civil society, diplomats, corporate heads, academia and representatives from services sector including tourism industry.
President Dr Arif Alvi after formally launching the programme termed it a milestone to benefit community in a number of areas.
He also appreciated Serena Hotels for enabling this initiative and for making an effort to bridge the gap which existed in providing service excellence.
The data shows that tourism in places like the beautiful northern areas of Pakistan has welled into the millions in past few years due to efforts of the government and improvement in the security situation, said the president.
Pakistan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and our hospitality industry needs to showcase this diversity and rich cultural heritage, he added. The executive education programme “Proficiency of Hospitality Management” consists of seven modules starting February and ending in December 2020.
The participants to the programme include representatives from diverse service sector organizationsi.e., hospitality, healthcare, banking, customer services, government and academia.
Specialised faculty from the world-renowned Swiss hospitality school, the EHL Advisory Services will deliver the course modules covering a comprehensive range of topics from people to revenue management, service operations, marketing communication, strategic hospitality and asset management – culminating in a globally accredited Certificate, “Proficiency of Hospitality Management” (PHM) for attendees.
While expressing his gratitude to the participants of the ceremony, CEO Serena Hotels Aziz Boolani said, “We are delighted to take the first significant step in our partnership with Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland by bringing international executive education grounded in cutting edge knowledge, experience and innovation to Pakistan. “These best practices will allow us to reach and exceed global standards of excellence in Pakistan.” Due to the country’s immense potential in tourism, these sectors have been identified as priority areas for youth engagement, investment and skill-building by the Government of Pakistan. “The versatility and timely implementation of this programme will expose managerial and executive professionals to world-class standards, so they can lead Pakistan’s traditional hospitality with a detailed and courteous approach required to promote Government’s vision,” said Mr. Boolani.
