Executive Director Pearl-Continental Hotel Predicts Future of Pakistan’s Tourism Industry

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. 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, 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 a 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. 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 tourism and hospitality landscape, painting a positive picture for the economic and cultural benefit of us all.