Interview with Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels Pakistan

“Pakistan has much to offer in terms of culture, heritage, hospitality and above all, scenic views and nature”

United World sits down with Mr. Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels Pakistan, talking about Pakistan, challenges of the tourism sector, and much more.

Recently Pakistan has been named the ‘next success story’ by Forbes, similar to Colombia’s reformation in the 90’s. Just two years after the first historic democratic transition of power, Pakistan continues on a journey of a much overdue transformation. How would you evaluate Pakistan’s growing pains over the last two years? And how do you see the next three years developing for further growth and development?

Let me begin by saying that I have always been optimistic about Pakistan’s potential for growth as I believe this country is blessed with rich resources including but not limited to the sea, the mountains, historical buildings, a rich culture and talented artisans and musicians. A large portion of the Pakistani population are young adults below the age of 35 who are imbued with energy, hence we have to look inward for change instead of reaching out to outsiders. This will strengthen our human resource capability for taking the country to a higher platform.

Economically, we are on the path to progress. The recent drop in oil prices has also helped the country’s economy. Pakistan’s reserves continue to improve and the stock market’s performance has been exceptional. Our macroeconomic indicators are on the right track.

There is still a need to concentrate on the education and health sectors, which are root causes for poverty in the country. I hope the years to come see these sectors benefitting from the government’s focused approach. Private organisations also have to take the responsibility in supporting health and education under their Corporate Social Responsibility Programmes.

The process of growth will always be hindered by minor setbacks particularly when you are fighting on many fronts. Pakistan has great potential for growth in all major sectors: manufacturing, service, tourism and hospitality. However, progress has been hindered by the negative perception of Pakistan portrayed by the international media. Historically, countries are greatly affected by the narratives assigned to them by the media. Luckily, Pakistan has succeeded, to some extent, in fighting this narrative. The government and the people of Pakistan are working closely with international organizations, the media, particularly journalists to highlight the country’s achievements. The concerted effort is slowly becoming a movement that will benefit the country in the years to come.

Read at the Source: “Pakistan has much to offer in terms of culture, heritage, hospitality and above all, scenic views and nature”

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