A review of the Book ‘Where Clouds Meet’

 

Book:  Where Clouds Meet.
Author: Tahir Mehmood.
Genre:  Novel (Fiction)
Publisher: Ferozsons (Pvt.) LTD.
Publication Year: October 2021.
ISBN: 978-969-0-02781-8.
Reviewed By: Asma Ishaq.

The literary worth of any book can be gauged via critical analysis that how much it has been able to incite the reader’s mind to do critical thinking upon the running themes in there. Any book proves to be void without the proper theme entrenched withinthe plot. The heavier the themes are, the heavier the story is for the readers!

‘Where Clouds Meet’ written by Tahir Mehmood is one such book that weighs heavier on the literary scale when it comes giving the cognition exercise to its readers. Providing a range of philosophical interpretations on life, Tahir has come up with an ideal literary work of Fiction. Based on Love in particular, it has been authored enriched with themes like Warfare, Nature, Survival of the Fittest, Soldiery, Romanticism, Idealism, Realism, Friendship and Individualism. Such a novel happens to be truly an appealing and thus becomes successful in conveying the message.

Having set in the background of Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, the post invasion conditions throughout 1980s and a beautiful love story of a young soldier Ali, it is a ‘novel of happenings’ narrated beautifully. The title, ‘Where Clouds Meet’ is to present the concept of ‘Eternal Love’ which is beyond this world. Out of the set-boundaries of world. The author here, has conveyed it well that love unmet is, ‘Divine.’

The novel opens up with a breath-takingnatural sceneryof a lake in Naran Valley. A young soldier Ali who is found enjoying the green lush valley amidst the high raised mountains. Ali is the first protagonist of novel. He remains in the main plot till his martyrdom. He has got the mind and body ‘intoxicated’ by the ecstasy of love for Motherland. He has got a kind of trance of patriotism that nurtures the true soldier’s soul in him.

One finds a wonderful description of Individualisminthe character of Ali. A Literary Movement from the 18th and 19th Century that propagates an ideal of ‘human’who realizes the ‘worth’ as wellis able to ‘utilize’ the given potentials to the best. Ali has all the morals and ideals of Individualism. Ali appears an ‘impeccable’ in making the calculations for all the military tasks assigned to him. He proved to be highly vigilant from taking care of his soldiers’ meal to building the most intimidating observation posts and then for his last post at the Point 4777 before the martyrdom.

To the surprise of many, the second protagonist is not a human but the high-mountains- bird that the author has named it, ‘Tutu Titu’. His part of plot runs with the two major themes Survival of the Fittest and Individualism. He descends from the mountains to know about the world of ‘Homingoes.’ Tutu calls humans the ‘Homingoes, and he thinks them the strange specie.’ He goes on the‘journey of learning’, ‘research’ and seeking ‘wisdom’ via many errands and encounters. Throughout his journey, he is in a spell-bound state to study the humans. He becomes an ardent observant in this regard. The two words, ‘Use’ and ‘Work’ help Tutu to grow and be acquiesced with the norm that humans are way more skilful in leading the life. Tutu represents the ‘Free Soul’ or ‘Free Will Human.’

The author has dedicated a great part of discussion on warfare and soldiery. There are many pages with the purpose of sharing the military details. Many readers will find it much interesting to read about the details of Transit Camp, Patrolling, Reconnaissance, Observation Post, Command Post and Command Bunker. One gets to know so much about the Military Service in real as well in the action i.e. Planning, Reporting and then Immediate Response Action for the enemy. There are warfare theories also in the real action i.e. Deterrence and the Pre-Emptive strikes.

The theme of Loveseems to be glorified in the character of Professor NKK. He has a soul of ‘nomad’ in the rough definition but a true ‘sufi soul’ in the mystically elevated manner. He is filled with the love, wisdom and intellect. Despite the fact that life has been horribly cruel to him, he manages to give love to the fellow humans. The time and circumstances have transformed him into thepersonification of love. Now, he has become a philosopher to interpret the life and to seeking its meaning and purpose. NKK’s mantra for love is,

  “Love is a Divine manifestation which has put a halo around the universe.”

This book is a ‘stand-out’ than many other contemporary books. It has got to offer so much for its reader. For any young officer, it is a complete guide for learning soldiery. For any history student, it brings the concrete details. For any common individual, it shares a useful read to fit in the society for one’s survival.For students of peace and conflict, it reveals that the war is sacred too and actually comes in the field to prevail the good over evil. It is definitely right to say here, Tahir has written one Classic Literature kind of literary masterpiece. He has strengthened the‘Gripping Narration’ in this novel. He amps up the reader’s mind while creating an irresistible picture in the narration. He knows the art of storytelling. And he has proven it aptly,

“We humans are the story telling creatures in life, so make it an interesting read.”

-Asma Ishaqis a lecturer.

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Crisis within Crisis-Overhauling of Education & Research Ecosystem of Pakistan

 

Syed Habib Bokhari

Higher education in Pakistan, like many other countries, is facing number of challenges, and these challenges are haunting Education in general, and Science & Technology in particular. Despite the growing number of PhDs, we are so fragile during the current COVID-19 and onslaught of Floods which yet again exposed our inherent weaknesses i.e., lack of preparedness and relevant education.

The edifice of any Education system, may it be scientific or social, stands on 3 basic pillars: Appropriate manpower (trained relevant experts, competent personnel), Adequate Infrastructure (space, physical environment, equipped laboratories/training tools, library etc.) and Incentives (well defined goals, reward, and punishment).

 It appears that we are the nation who has lacked the most when it comes to justice with third component reasonably due to vulnerable institutional leadership, adhocism, and Lobbies. This is the very reason that economists have related the factors i.e., shortage of such human capital, physical capital and technology or its inefficient use, to stunted economic growth of any country.

There is increasing international recognition that science and technology intensive solutions can certainly enhance the status of low-income countries. The need for our self-reliance has never been felt as strong as today while we are facing serious challenges i.e. devastating floods in 75 years history of Pakistan and prior to that COVID-19, where the climate change and least preparedness has taught us yet again another lesson.

 This has led to further exacerbating the already stressed food security condition and associated conundrum  of malnutrition, in the country where more than 33% children under 5 are underweight, >37% show stunted growth suggesting poor nutritional status in country (https://data.unicef.org/resources/dataset/malnutrition-data). Stunting, (vicious cycle) begins in utero, can be dubbed as another form of massive brain drain as such children do not grow to full physical and mental potential. In addition, we are the second highest growing population after Nigeria with extremely poor sanitation practices (>25 million people practice open defecation-prior to recent Floods), an estimated 53,000 Pakistani children under five die annually from diarrhoea & ~ 22. 8 million children are out of School (5-16 years age-UNICEF). Moreover, the country’s infrastructure is very poor at times of any disasters such as COVID-19, floods, fires, droughts, and other emergencies.

 The effects of climate change and rapid urbanisation threating our food security with huge economic impact & its fallout on already severely stressed population (>40% <USD 1) has yet to be seen. These are some of the harsh realities of nation of >220 million struggling to improve the quality of life and reduce ever increasing economic inequities or gaps between the extremely polarized society.

So, what can be done is a fundamental question haunting educationist, researchers, leadership of institutes/universities and politicians (political will). In this backdrop, getting rid of fear of indecisiveness, better preparedness & future planning will be key to deal with current as well as any unforeseen climate driven disaster(s).

Many nations have systematically devised well thought programs by identifying areas which are heavily reflected by their existing specific technological strengths or other resources they possess and converted them into game changer opportunities for their masses. Our Higher Education growth indicators reflects that the number of Ph.Ds. in recent years in the country rose to >15,000, with the addition of hundreds if not thousands new Ph.D.’s, many are jobless, per year.

However, hardly, anyone is engaged in developing educational goals in particular in the field of sciences & social sciences for the least privileged group i.e., Govt. Schools & Colleges. Less than 0.0001% of GDP is spent to cater the educational needs of Science Labs training and negligible amount spent in the field of technical education.

The major reason for lack in capacity building in solving real-life challenges and hence employability through Education & Research is our failure to attract vibrant youth towards Science & Technology and building effective partnerships.

In this backdrop, VCs conference was organized at Kohsar university Murree-September 29th -October 01, 2022, to integrate such agenda in their Educational Goals and deploy all necessary inherent strengths jointly to address challenges. There can be various areas which require immediate attention including STEM-AH education and unless and until we are convinced that Science & Technology is the way forward, and we are not ready to send our children to opt such disciplines, we are not going to make much difference in producing meaningful knowledge-basis of creation & co-creation.

In Pakistan, existing limited hands-on training facilities at School, College and even at undergraduate levels have failed to prepare the willing brighter workforce to take up Science & Technology as the career of choice. I strongly believe that this is one of the major reasons that we are lagging way behind when it comes down to grow as a knowledge-based economy, as it’s a continuum pipeline which is required to be maintained to keep up the quality supply line for innovations to happen at universities level by the students enrolled in various graduate programs.

Therefore, a complete revamping of not only curriculum, pedagogical approaches as well as exposing youth with the exciting brand of science & technologies will certainly improve the supply chain for producing vibrant and skillful youth to solve our real-life challenges. One of the bottlenecks is the import of different scientific kits, media and reagents and the low-cost indigenous teaching kits/manuals will provide more robust and continuous relevant science learning experience.

For instance, such comprehensive educational package in Science & Technology whether it is biotechnology, physics, chemistry, mathematics for college and undergraduate students which will be the key transforming principle we need to stress on to improve our Higher Education Quality.

                Effective teaching always engages students in practical demonstration of what they are studying. There are some important concepts in each fundamental discipline of science which make the basis of further research in these fields. Students do not have a firm grip on these basic ideas as they have just gone through the theory and do not have any hands-on experience. I propose that this can be achieved by taking following bold initiatives and interventions

1.            Higher Education should precisely invite funding applications to develop products/kits/manuals with the mission of not only teaching science with practical approach, but with exciting case studies for young budding students

2.            Good weightage in evaluation process should be given to such developers as this will open opportunities for innovations in the country.

3.            Custom made tools will enable its users to understand the fundamental concepts of science adequately translating the theoretical knowledge into the hands-on training which can be run in any moderately equipped laboratory.

4.            Organizing training camps/ workshops/summer schools with the help of consortium of best teachers of the disciplines from across universities

5.            Additional dissemination methods will be the organization of seminars and lectures in high schools, especially to promote Science through virtual laboratories/distant learning/mobile laboratories.

                The real role of university in nation building is to provide a platform for knowledge synthesis, innovation & technology, alongwith enriching students with diverse sets of skills. Vice Chancellors conference of Public Universities of Punjab concluded on October 01, 2022 with the formation of various working groups including STEM-AH. The main objective of the conference was identification of universities inherent strengths to develop pipelines and implement plans to work on all current important challenges as well as be ready for any unforeseen future challenges with better preparedness by team up under one Education Umbrella to reap the full socioeconomic benefits of youth

The writer is the VC of Kohsar University Murree

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Tourism and Pakistan

 

Munaza Kazmi

If a country like Switzerland can earn several billion dollars from tourism, Pakistan can certainly take meaningful steps to attract tourists. However, for transforming Pakistan into tourism it requires some practical steps to create a culture of tourism which requires a mindset of locals, tour operators, hotels and authorities attached with the ministry of tourism.

Let’s understand the “Culture of Tourism”. By the word culture it means, philosophy, background or refinement and here it comes in the area of tourism, it means how we can refine then promote it. However, it can be done by following four simple and significant steps.

First, the attitude and behavior of those who are delivering the guidance and facilities to tourists. The vision, how they see Pakistan, what they project to the world.

Second, observance to the standards of cleanliness and hygiene at restaurants, cafes, toilets and hotels at tourist attraction spots. Which is obviously a striking issue, I can give my personal experience of Murree, Northern area and even motorway resting areas where using public toilet is the disaster, even the paid ones, moreover the sitting areas, eating desks are disgusting.

I really want to see Nagarparkar, Chitral and Kalash however cannot due to the fear of non-availability of fine hotels. This factor I believe is of grave importance since it creates a very negative impression of tourist.

Third, availability of economic accommodation, food and basic necessities. Since, it a known fact that in every tourist season, the hotel owners take advantage of the situation and charge excessive rates. Ironically there’s no check on the part of concerned authorities.

Let’s say Pearl Continental Burban on New Year’s Eve charged me 45,000 for micro room, like a train compartment. Another thing I wanted to ask from the Hotel Association, “when you guys are operating in Pakistan then why charging in dollars?” The examples can be seen almost all over Pakistan.

Conclusively, I would say in Pakistan there is completely the absence of tourism culture and it has much to do with corruption and inefficiency on the part of tourism departments in various provinces of the country who are mostly irresponsible in their duties, taking bribery from under the table and having lack proper training on providing concentrated facilities to tourists at affordable prices.

Disgracefully, that unlike India, China, the UAE and Sri Lanka, where there is a culture of tourism, one can observe the absence of proper work ethics and pursuance of a professional approach to attract foreign tourists.

Truly, reasoning the COVID-19 pandemic tourist industry all over the world has suffered however such a crisis should have been used as an opportunity by articulating short- and long-term policies to train those who are related to the tourism industry.

In the year 2020 and early 2021, tourist places in Pakistan were closed and only reopened during the summer of 2021. It brought the rush in tourist destinations during the summer which led to the shortage of accommodation and overcharging of hotel accommodation.

For international tourists, Pakistan is an appealing destination with spellbinding attractiveness of landscape, diverse culture, historical heritage sites besides places of religious importance. Known for its extraordinary peaks, in North with silvery glaciers, heart shaped lakes, cold desert and pine forests with which not only local but international tourism can flourish.

Likewise, the historical sites of Taxila, Mohenjo-Daro, Indus Civilization and glorious Lahore. The deserts of Tharparkar and Nagarparkar in Sindh and Cholistan in Punjab, as well as the coast of Gwadar and Karachi, particularly the magical sights Makran, including Spinix and Princess of Hope in Balochistan, and most importantly the regional foods.

Major requirement is the make sure that adequate facilities are provided. Along there are few more issues to reconsider.

Mainly the Corruption which give birth to “tourist mafia” that is very common practice in North, acts of cheating, fraud and overcharging have been in recorded by numerous travels, plus the inability better to say failure of providing proper infrastructure, let’s say road to Khaplu in Sarkdu is more than dangerous since its broken at several places. And the road to Lake Saiful Muluk, why it’s never been considered? Because of “Jeep Mafia” indeed.

Another thing I should mention is the tourism education required attention for the population, which will enhance the ideology as well as hospitality for the international travelers.

As we all can understand how uncomfortable a person would be if he/she may become a center of attention for every passer, we lock our sisters and daughters behind walls and took pleasure in disrespecting the privacy of others. I wonder when Pakistanis would learn this.

In my opinion hectic efforts should be made both at federal and provincial levels to create the culture of tourism by taking measures which have been highlighted above.

When there was civil war going on in Sri Lanka from 1983 till 2009 and foreign tourism dropped, the government encouraged local tourism which tried to bridge the gap in income from foreign tourism.

Pakistan needs to promote homegrown tourism and take practical steps to provide safety, security, privacy, better hygienic, infrastructure and accommodation facilities so that both local and foreign tourism may uplift.

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Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences (Bahria University Islamabad, 2020). She’s a travel writer, an author, & co-author of scientific contributions in national & international publications. Her main areas of research include tourism & quality management.

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Makran Coastal Highway

 

Munaza Kazmi

A dramatic, dusty and daring drive that unnerved a traveler with its marvelous encounters, winding its way through some of the untouched parts of Pakistan, from the deserted regions where windswept erosion has created an unusual natural wonder, “Princess of Hope”; a princess standing in the hope of finding her love of life, to the enchanting golden beaches  overlooking the blue shores of the Arabian Sea, to the Spinix of Pakistan watchingevery travelers and guarding the glory.

Am talking about Makran Coastal Highway, the 653 km N10 highway running transversely by the coastal line of Arabian Sea. With diverse landscapes it has a strategic meaning for Pakistan, since it links the Gwadar port to the entire of Baluchistan, then to Karachipassing through the towns of Ormara and Pasni.

 

While driving on the highway, you would be watching over to most dramatically diverse, magicaland mysterious landscapes. Once passing through vast stretches of deserts, greeting dust cyclones in the distance, the highway silks away casually around the deep blue waters with clean white foam, sparkling peals and golden beaches. It is home to the charming sunrises on the horizon and sunsets that bask everything in gold in the frame of wild Siberian birds.

 

In a moment from the dusty sandstorms you would be flying with pelicans and racing with dolphins, such a diversity here and again. Moving forward, slowly distancing from the seashore, the highway takes you into the territory of Hingol National Park, the largest of Pakistan, housing the precious and rare wild life including leopards, gazelles, ibexes and crocodilesetc to the ‘Princess of Hope’ and Spinix.

Meanwhile, you might observe the Hindu pilgrims who travel miles to the Shrine of “Hinglaj Mata”, which is guarded by ibexes and crocodiles in its mountain seat on the banks of the Hingol River. Wandering further through the mysterious hills, trying to endorse the possibility of possessing South Asia’s largest and highest active mud volcano, the road takes you tosay hello to camels and the distinctive Makranis of African descent.

 

Makran Coastal Highway provokes the mind to probe deeper and search for the hidden secrets that the mountains echo, the winds whisper and the sands so gracefully obscure.

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Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences (Bahria University Islamabad, 2020). She’s a travel writer, an author, & co-author of scientific contributions in national & international publications. Her main areas of research include tourism & quality management.

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Gilgit Serena Hotel; Where Hospitality is Culture & Tradition

 

Munaza Kazmi

Gilgit-Baltistan is, perhaps, the most spectacular region of Pakistan in terms of its geography and scenic beauty. Moreover, it is strategically close to the heart of Central Asia and is the hub of the world’s greatest mountain ranges. The Karakoram, The Himalaya, The Hindukush, and The Pamir radiate out from this center like spokes on a wheel. 

This array of mountains has carefully guarded Pakistan’s frontiers with China, India, Afghanistan and across the narrow Wakhan corridor. Rich in history, culture and natural beauty the area has been visited for centuries by travelers; both modern day tourists and ancient travelers from the Silk Road. It also remained for many years a focal point of political and military rivalries amongst the Russian, British and Chinese empires.

Gilgitthe capital of Gilgit-Baltistan known as Asia’s wonderland stands as the paradise when it comes to describing the beauty. Also, the region holds much significance on ground of linking Pakistan with China and Central Asia. Moreover, in past it was a major hub for Buddhism.

Gilgit is a dazzling mountainous valley situated at an elevation of 1,500 meters, which make the topography and climate quiet extreme. However, due to the smooth working of Karakoram Highway, and Gilgit Airport one can easy reach Gilgit,

For every kind traveler the city has a package, there’s nature, history, adventure, discovery, and luxury. Common language is Balti, instead I would say “Hospitality”.

 

Besides the supreme astonishing fact is, the region has one of the highest literacy rates as compared to other similar districts in Pakistan due to the influence of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, whom most of the populace follow as their spiritual leader, I had seen an equal number of girls wearing school uniforms on top women working side by side with men. I had found them in almost every fragment of market let’s say selling jewels, on tea stalls, in self-operated restaurants, in fields, and even in hotel “Gilgit Serena” where I was staying. This I found very remarkable!

 

Gilgit Serena Hotel located on SherullahBaig Road is in close proximity from bus stand and airport is a gorgeous resort property in the cradle of glittering Karakoram mountain range was my home for next few days. Today after a year the memories of Elegantly chic building with floral lawns stretching on a massive area, natural water fountains, my early mooring walks in the bloomy gardens, picking juicy apples, tasting red strawberries, running after baby squirrels and that afternoon joys of swing makes me think of planning for another.

 

Into the glittering shadow of the stunning Karakoram mountain range, Gilgit Serena Hotel recaptures the warmth and charm of a long-ago mountain retreat, allowing visitors to experience the legendary region in a most authentic way while enjoying modern day amenities. 

The Hotel offers new experiences and discoveries amid an ancient setting. Where nature lovers can explore the snow-capped beauty of the Karakoram mountain range while enjoying superlative local cuisine in heritage-style. 

Furthermore, perfect attention to detail and an eye for local design and décor had been given that creats a warm, inviting shelter after a day of adventure. Every interior and furnishing of the room display the aura of pure Gilgiti-culture.Give your skin a new life by having a refreshing bath in the adjacent shower room, equipped with contemporary amenities. Later in the evening, grab a cup of coffee and step out onto the private balcony, I bet you would be enslaved by the captivating views of Shiny Mount Rakaposhi, Kaleidoscopic Danyore Village, and Dancing Gilgit and Hunza Rivers.

In total The Hotel have 43 rooms and suites merges modern comfort with traditional refinement. Beside bed and bath, all accommodations feature minibars, mini refrigerators, work desks, 24-hour room service, private balconies and most significant to remember all rooms are smoke free.

Executive Suits: Spacious 707-square-foot Executive Suits, designed for travelers seeking more space, features a king bed, separate lounge, and a private balcony with outdoor.

Deluxe Rooms: Handsomely designed, these 41 rooms offers one king or two twin beds, a work desk, internet, a safe deposit box and attached bath.

Hence you can tailor the visit according to your requirement.

 

Dinning

For Dinning Gilgit Serena Hotel is the perfect choice, on my first visit I thanked my friend for the recommendation. It’s a treat for all 5 senses, the fabulousTraditional environment, the aroma of freshly baked bread, the hospitable staff, delightful food and the dazzling view of Mount Rakaposhi. Moreover, Hotel offers authentic Pakistani delights including local regional dishes, complemented by innovative Chinese and Continental specialties. Inviting surroundings.

Gilgit Serena Hotel features a splendid restaurant to enchant every palate, with ambience as unique and inspiring as the cuisine. Whether you are looking to indulge in a lavish buffet or Afternoon High Tea on Sunday, unforgettable dining experiences await. 

Furthermore, all meals at the hotel feature fresh ingredients some from Hotel’s very own fruit orchards and organic vegetable garden, providing you with the unique opportunity to savor some of the best cuisine in the region.

Dumanni Restaurant

Renowned throughout Gilgit for its Pakistani, Continental and Chinese cuisine. I enjoyed the lavish food with views of the hotel’s lawns, mountains and the live playing of Rubab and Tabla on the unforgettable tune of Shahrukh’s “Baazighar”.

Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, though on Sunday, a High Tea is accompanied by buffet and a la carte service. However, Breakfast is complimentary for all the hotel guests. 

Garden BBQ

From May through September, Garden BBQ features everything from seafood to local chicken and beef specialties, under the shade of native trees.The sounds of traditional live music and the water channel’s gentle cascade offer an enchanting backdrop for a classical dining experience.

In-Room Dinning

Well sometimes, enjoying food in the privacy of our cozy room or a Monarch-like feel of dinning in the private balcony is what I would love. In the Hotel, around the clock the service is available.

Framed by traditional wood architecture, awe-inspiring views of the snow-capped Karakoram Mountain Range and lush organic orchards and gardens, Gilgit Serena Hotel is the most unique and beautiful hotel in the Gilgit Valley. 

Merging the finest of local culture and heritage with personalized service, hotel offers exclusive and immersive experiences designed to make your holiday an unforgettable experience. Whether you wish to visit one of Gilgit’s three hanging bridges, picnic by the Jutial Stream or ski the slopes of Naltar, the staff will help you experience all the wonders Gilgit-Baltistan has to offer. 

During my visit I learned about “Karighar” a CSR project of Serena Hotel, a vocational center that established back in the year 2016, has been making a significant contribution to provide entrepreneurship training to various segments of communities mainly women in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, for a sustainable growth and quality of life.

 

On my visit I found Karigharan economic lift-up, empowering the community in this remote region to supplement the household income by providing them with education and training related to bee-farming, besides stitching and embroidery.

 

This is not just a hotel but a value chain, however, after visiting Gilgit Serena Hotel, where hospitality is culture and tradition, I understood why it has been said.

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Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences (Bahria University Islamabad, 2020). She’s a travel writer, an author, & co-author of scientific contributions in national & international publications. Her main areas of research include tourism & quality management.

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