CEO – COTHM, Pakistan & Dubai

EVOLVE: Please share rundown of your professional background with us? 

Ahmad Shafiq: I studied hospitality management at Bournemouth University UK and returned with a goal to set up a hotel school in Pakistan. After a lot of deliberation and spadework, in the year 2002, I laid the foundation of College of Tourism & Hotel Management (COTHM) in Lahore. It was a humble beginning. It was a time when there was negligible awareness amongst the people of Pakistan about hospitality education and a career. We, however, took the internationally-recognized British, European and American academic partners on board with us to offer qualifications in hospitality management which could be recognized world-wide. Later, we introduced culinary arts, baking & patisserie, travel & tourism, food safety and hygiene qualifications in Pakistan.

EVOLVE: What is the secret of College of Tourism & Hotel Management (COTHM) continuous and consistent growth in Pakistan? 

Ahmad Shafiq: By the grace of Almighty Allah, we have expanded our school network to 14 branches in all major cities of Pakistan. There are various factors contributing to continuous and consistent growth of COTHM but the vital element is the quality of education and training that we are committed to deliver. Our prime focus is our student. We develop and train professionally-qualified and competent hospitality professionals through a rigorous training process, which equips the students with soft skills, technical knowledge, positive mental attitude and work ethics to serve the hospitality, travel & tourism industry internationally. 

EVOLVE: What have been the greatest lessons you have learned about the hospitality business, since you started almost two decades ago? 

Ahmad Shafiq: The hospitality industry is all about people. At every step of the business, you interact with people. Therefore, the biggest lesson is serving people from the core of heart and it is the essence of our business.

EVOLVE: What significant changes have you noticed in the hospitality industry over the past twenty to thirty years, and where do you see the industry heading? 

Ahmad Shafiq: The hospitality industry remained stagnant over the years owing to various challenges. But now things have started moving ahead. Especially the restaurant industry is flourishing with all international cuisines being offered in Pakistan. The use of technology has substantially revolutionized the industry.

EVOLVE: What kind of culture you have maintained at COTHM and how would you throw light in its significance? 

Ahmad Shafiq: Hospitality and friendliness runs across the organization. We have evolved a culture of mutual respect and honor for everyone.

EVOLVE: What is special about COTHM that separates it from your competitors? 

Ahmad Shafiq: We are the only hotel school in Pakistan which is affiliated, accredited and recognized by the internationally-acclaimed awarding bodies and strategic partners from around the globe. Professionalism and quality of education and training distinguishes COTHM from the competitors.

EVOLVE: Was there anyone in particular who inspired you early in your career? What did you find so inspiring about this role model to drive you towards success? 

Ahmad Shafiq: I highly acknowledge Mr. Antonis Charalambidies, an internationally reputed entrepreneur in the field of hospitality and tourism industry, who mentored me while I was studying hospitality. Primarily, he inspired me to come into this business. I have always observed him as a role model while serving the industry. 

EVOLVE: What are the important benchmarks if kept in a right direction can help any company climb ladders of success? 

Ahmad Shafiq: The top of the line principle of success is the quality of what you. The level of our commitment and dedication sets the pace of our success in business. In modern day business environment, we must have a strong passion and a knack of building professional networking. 

EVOLVE: How to maintain a diversified culture in your organization ensuring the respect of every belief/doctrine? 

Ahmad Shafiq: We firmly believe in maintaining a culture of respect and honor for everyone irrespective of the religion, color, creed and race. COTHM is an equal opportunity provider.

EVOLVE: In your impressive list of career achievements, what do you personally see as your greatest achievement? 

Ahmad Shafiq: When I started my school, there was hardly any recognition of the profession of hospitality in Pakistan. Over the years, through a continuous effort, we have got the hospitality profession recognized and respected. Through development of quality human resource, we have projected a soft image of Pakistan internationally. Currently, more than 13000 graduates of COTHM are serving the hospitality industry internationally. 

EVOLVE: What goals do you have for the future of COTHM? 

Ahmad Shafiq: Establishing the first Hospitality University of Pakistan is one of my prime goals. By producing world class hospitality professionals from our system, we want to promote Pakistan internationally. 

EVOLVE: Any message for the worthy readers of EVOLVE? 

Ahmad Shafiq: Love Pakistan. Keeping the flag of our country high on the world horizon is our collective responsibility as Pakistanis.