Need for Learning Tourism and Hospitality Management in Higher Education of Pakistan: A Proposal

Munaza Kazmi

In the last couple of years, tourism has become an important sector that could have a great impact on the development of Pakistan’seconomy. 

The main benefits of tourism are income creation, the country’s goodwill and obviously generation of jobs. For many places, like Malaysia, Dubai and Thailand etc. tourism is the most important source of welfare. 

It’s a known fact that Pakistan has so much to show to the world, but still it considered as lonely planet but due to the initiates done by recent government, there seems a hope for a good change. 

Therefore, it is appropriate time for Pakistan to respond to this importance proportionally, by developing the necessary infrastructure and increasing their abilities to supply the needs of upcoming tourists from around the globe.

That’s where the importance and need for inclusion of hospitality tourism and lies as well.

Tourism impacts environments and people on a socio-cultural aspect. It impacts the lifestyles and cultures of both residents and visitors. 

Hence, it’s imperative to learn about the cultures and traditions of other societies and the ways of being hospitable to manage the business soundly.  

A degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management can help in business management, marketing fundamentals, human resources, project management, sustainability, cross-cultural awareness and diversity.

More importantly this can help learning about sustainable tourism and how to mitigate the negative impacts of travel on the environment. 

With more and more people travelling each year, it’s important to understand the impact this could have on cultures, communities and on broader perspective our planet. 

Tourism has the potential to make the world a better place by bringing economic benefits to poorer destinations and keeping tourist hotspot flourishing. 

By learn about hospitality and tourismone can contribute to the creation of jobs with fair wages and environmental protection.

Moreover, Hospitality and tourism are among the hardest industries hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While the world is beginning to open up again, things are far from the same. As a result, hotels, restaurants, theme parks, and other venues will have to adjust to everything from new consumer behaviors to altered operational practices.

Subsequently, new travelers and new travel preferences will require tourism executives to review and even rewrite the ways in which their enterprises are managed.

Even prior to COVID, the hospitality and tourism sector was undergoing rapid change. 

Now, the industry is being forced to pivot yet again with the responsibility for managing the transition landing on its leaders. 

Specifically, it will mandate the acquisition of new skills, including digital expertise, cognitive skills for redesign and innovation, and social and emotional skills toward collaboration, management and communication. 

Meanwhile, “soft skills,” such as adaptability and resilience will also be essential.

Bear in mind that by being part of such an industry, you are directly contributing to the revitalization and preservation of local traditions, customs, cultural life, handicrafts, arts, culture, artists, identity and heritage, renewal of local architectural traditions. 

Not all heroes wear capes, they say. Sometimes they simply belong to an industry that induces change, drives economies, or preserves history and culture, with advance education we can provide our hero’s with the magical wands.

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Munaza Kazmi has recently done Master of Philosophy from Bahria University Islamabad. Her debut novel is Unrequited Love.

She’s an author, columnist writing in different newspapers and a researcher having seven publications till yet, she’s been writing since 2016.

You can connect to Kazmi at twitter @munaza_kazmi or on research gate as munaza kazmi.

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