In recent years, countries worldwide have been striving to attract foreign tourists through relaxed visa regimes and enhanced facilitation. Amid this global trend, Pakistan stands out as a nation naturally endowed with immense tourism potential. Blessed with diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to become a top tourist destination.
Pakistan’s tourism appeal is unparalleled. From the towering peaks of the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges to the serene beaches of the Arabian Sea, the country offers an array of breathtaking experiences. The ancient cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Taxila, the majestic Mughal architecture of Lahore, and the vibrant bazaars of Peshawar provide a glimpse into the nation’s rich historical tapestry. Additionally, the lush valleys of Swat and Hunza, with their stunning natural beauty, attract nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Beyond its natural and historical allure, Pakistan approaches tourism with a broader vision. While recognizing the economic benefits that tourism can bring, Pakistan views it as a conduit for global interaction and cultural harmony. By welcoming visitors from around the world, Pakistan hopes to foster mutual understanding and respect among diverse cultures. This cultural exchange contributes to a more peaceful and interconnected world, promoting global peace and security.
In the current climate of tense geopolitical relations, Pakistan aims to use tourism as a means to diffuse confrontation and build bridges between nations. Through increased global interaction and cultural exchange, the country seeks to create an environment of understanding and harmony. This diplomatic approach underscores Pakistan’s commitment to contributing positively to the international community.
Pakistan’s government has taken significant steps to facilitate tourism, including introducing visa-on-arrival policies for citizens of various countries and investing in tourism infrastructure. These measures, coupled with the nation’s inherent beauty and cultural richness, make Pakistan an increasingly attractive destination for international travelers.
In summary, Pakistan’s tourism potential is immense, and its approach to leveraging this potential is both visionary and inclusive. By promoting tourism, Pakistan not only seeks economic gains but also aspires to enhance global cultural interaction and foster a peaceful world. The country’s unique blend of natural wonders, historical treasures, and commitment to global harmony positions it as a beacon of positive engagement in today’s world.
Haseeb Amjad Gardezi, Executive Director of Pearl-Continental Hotel, Lahore, and the Education Division of Hashoo Group in Pakistan recently had a candid conversation with ProPakistani about the exceptional tourism potential housed within Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and its world-famous hospitality.
He leveraged his extensive experience in the industry to identify core challenges and opportunities in the Pakistani market, citing the importance of multi-sector support in placing Pakistan on the top of the world’s tourism map. While international tourism has seen a recent surge, there needs to be a greater emphasis on enhancing domestic tourism as well.
Gardezi also alluded to the need for more business-friendly tax reforms across the board which can ultimately help Hospitality and Tourism, along with other enterprises of Pakistan, contribute positively to Pakistan’s economic uplift. With ideal support and strategies, Haseeb predicts that the Pearl-Continental Hotels & Resorts chain will boast 62 hotels in Pakistan by 2027 in all Hashoo Hotel branches.
Our greatest challenge today is maintaining our gold-star service standards amidst an uncertain economic environment. Our loyal customers, however, continue supporting us across Pakistan for which we are truly grateful.
Hashoo Group has always emphasized the upskilling and retention of their employees through several impactful initiatives. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked tirelessly to ensure that our valued staff was retained for as long as possible, even resorting to taking loans from the bank to stay afloat. With ever-changing policies, however, even this became trickier with time.”, Haseeb added.
When asked to comment on whether or not the new national budget would hurt the hospitality and tourism sectors, Haseeb expressed that Pakistan’s tourism industry has immense potential for greatness with the right kind of investment, strategy, and infrastructure. With ample support from local and international investors, there is no way that Pakistan’s natural beauty, coupled with its exquisite warmth and hospitality cannot yield incredible economic outcomes.
Starting his career in 1992, Haseeb Gardezi became one of the few Pakistanis to rise to the top in an industry typically dominated by expatriates. His journey began with a unique blend of influences—his mother came from a feudal background while his father was a corporate executive. Despite high expectations to follow conventional career paths, he pursued his passion for hospitality.
His career break came unexpectedly at the Avari Hotel, where he began with basic training tasks. His determination and background in both academics and family support helped him rise through the ranks. He later secured advanced education and certifications from prestigious institutions like Cornell and Harvard University, which further honed his expertise.
Throughout his career, Haseeb has held various positions in multiple hotels, both in Pakistan and internationally, including significant roles in Doha, and Qatar.
Under his leadership and confidence provided by Murtaza Hashwani, Pearl-Continental Hotels saw substantial growth, expanding to new locations despite challenges like economic fluctuations and the 9/11 aftermath. His innovative approach and unwavering belief in the potential of the hospitality sector laid a strong foundation for the brand’s continued success.
Looking forward, he expressed strong optimism about the future of tourism in Pakistan. He foresees significant growth driven by the country’s rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and increasing global interest. However, he stressed that achieving this potential requires tackling regulatory and infrastructural challenges.
Improved infrastructure, better regulatory frameworks, and enhanced promotional efforts are essential to attracting more tourists and positioning Pakistan as one of the global destinations.
Haseeb’s story is not just about personal achievement but also about his contributions to Pakistan’s hospitality industry. His rise from a trainee to a top-level executive serves as an inspiration, showing that with the right mix of education, exposure, and hard work, success is possible even in fields dominated by global players.
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With a career spanning over 32 years, his legacy at Pearl-Continental Hotels & Resorts stands as a testament to his vision, dedication, and the positive impact of nurturing local talent in the hospitality industry.
Haseeb’s unwavering commitment to the industry is evident in the inspiring optimism with which he discusses the future of Pakistan’s tourism and hospitality landscape, painting a positive picture for the economic and cultural benefit of us all.
Reference Link:- https://propakistani.pk/2024/07/22/executive-director-pearl-continental-hotel-predicts-future-of-pakistans-tourism-industry/