ISLAMABAD: Continuous improvement and strengthening of regulatory bodies for implementation of quality standards and certifications for the tourism and hospitality sectors is the hallmark of the countries which have a flourishing tourism industry. In Pakistan, there is a need for a proper regulatory framework and certification mechanism to ensure that tourists receive unparalleled experience through quality services and value for their money while visiting Pakistan.
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Implementation of minimum standards through an effective regulatory program is a vital tourism industry asset, designed to establish and improve operational efficiencies in tourism and hospitality industry. Accredited and certified tourism and hospitality businesses have a greater advantage with regards to running and marketing their business including an improved reputation in the tourism marketplace, improved profitability through the implementation of better operating systems, improved employee morale, effective management, and increased customer confidence and satisfaction leading to repeat business.
To discuss this important aspect of tourism industry of Pakistan, an one-day consultative workshop was organized by National Tourism Coordination Board (NTCB) and Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) on 15th October at Ramada Hotel Islamabad. Key stakeholders from public and private sector organizations including representatives of Provincial Department of Tourist Services (DTS), Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, Pakistan Hotel Association, Pakistan Restaurants Association, Pakistan Association of Tour Operators, Travel Agents Association of Pakistan, Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan, Adventure Foundation Pakistan, Alpine Club of Pakistan, College of Tourism and Hotel Management and other organizations participated in this day long workshop.
Mr. Aftab Rana, President of STFP was invited to give a keynote talk on the need to promote and facilitate sustainable and standardized growth of tourism industry in Pakistan by implementing high quality standards and achieving service excellence in tourism services through a well-designed certification and licencing mechanism. Later on, in working group discussion, participates discussed the key issues in detail and formulated recommendation on the following five main segments of tourism and hospitality services.
