In a landmark collaboration between Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Baku hosted the pioneering assembly of the Tourism Specialized Education Institutions of the ECO Member States. The event was attended by academicians and experts from the ECO member countries, including Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as the ECO delegation headed by ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri.
College of Tourism & Hotel Management (COTHM) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Zaheer Ahmad represented Pakistan at the event and brought forth the rich Pakistani perspective, amplifying the significance of the country’s contributions in the realm of tourism education and innovation.
Chairman Fuad Naghiyev, illuminating Azerbaijan’s unwavering commitment to cooperative endeavors with OIC nations, underscored tourism as a linchpin in Azerbaijan’s non-oil economy. Emphasizing the nation’s aspiration to evolve into a premier tourist destination, Naghiyev highlighted tourists’ deep admiration for Azerbaijan’s multifaceted allure encompassing history, culture, heritage, nature, cuisine, and hospitality. He underscored the pivotal role of human resource development, highlighting the operation of three higher education institutions under Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency and the overarching presence of tourism education across 17 higher education institutions in the country.
Secretary General Khusrav Noziri echoed the significance of this inaugural meeting, stressing the pivotal role outlined in the Baku Declaration, emphasizing the expansion of cooperation among member states. Noziri extended heartfelt congratulations to all members, underscoring the pivotal nature of continuous engagement.
Amidst these deliberations, an important segment was COTHM’s COO’s active participation in the panel discussion on “Innovation and Technology: Emerging Trends in Tourism Education.” Presenting the dynamic Pakistani perspective, the COO illuminated Pakistan’s invaluable contributions to the global discourse on tourism education and innovation, enriching the dialogue with insights and experiences from Pakistan’s vibrant tourism landscape.
This collaborative initiative not only highlighted Azerbaijan’s dedication to fostering global partnerships in the tourism education sphere but also showcased the pivotal role of Pakistani expertise and perspectives in shaping the future of tourism education and innovation on an international stage.
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