DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
UNIVERSITY OF BALTISTAN, SKARDU
UNIVERSITY OF BALTISTAN, SKARDU
Vision Statement:
To be a leading center of excellence in tourism and hospitality education, promoting sustainable tourism development and cultural preservation in Gilgit-Baltistan, while empowering students to become global leaders in the industry.
Mission Statement:
The Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Baltistan is dedicated to providing high-quality education and training that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the tourism and hospitality industry. Through strategic partnerships, hands-on training, and a curriculum that blends theory with practical experience, we aim to develop professionals who can effectively promote and manage tourism. Our commitment extends to enhancing the local economy, preserving natural and cultural heritage, and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative and sustainable tourism practices.
Introduction:
The Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Baltistan, Skardu, established in November 2018, aims to address the growing need for educated and well-trained tourism professionals in Gilgit-Baltistan. This region, representing Pakistan’s premier attraction for international and national tourists, is home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including the second-highest, K2. The vast glaciers, valleys, rivers, lakes, orchards, and rich cultural heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan offer huge potential to develop tourism as a robust industry. Our department is strategically positioned to create a tourism-friendly business environment in this region, located at the intersection of four great mountain ranges: the Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindukush, and Pamir. It lies along the historic Silk Route, now transformed into the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), further enhancing its significance. We aim to develop a cadre of tourism professionals equipped with the necessary skills to manage and promote tourism effectively. Our curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing students for careers in tourism and hospitality management. We currently offer a 2-year Associate Degree and a 4-year BS in Tourism and Hospitality Management, with plans to expand our programs to include comprehensive undergraduate options like Culinary Arts Management, as well as postgraduate studies. Collaborations with local and international organizations, such as the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department, PTDC, the Hotel Association, the Tour Operator Association, the Photography Association of Gilgit-Baltistan, UNWTO, and WTTC, will provide opportunities for hands-on training and job placements.
Our goals include:
1. Educating and training students to increase professional capacity in tourism and hospitality.
2. Enhancing educational standards through a robust Quality Assurance System.
3. Promoting Research and Innovation in Sustainable Tourism.
4. Expanding International Collaboration and Exchange Programs.
5. Providing orientation and counseling sessions for student job placement.
6. Enhancing Community Engagement and Local Partnerships.
7. Signing MOUs with industry stakeholders to encourage innovative small-medium enterprise projects.
Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management at University of Baltistan, Skardu, is committed to play a pivotal role in lifting the local economy, improving quality of life, preserving the natural and cultural environment, and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through tourism.
Outcomes of the Department.
Based on the goals of the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management at the University of Baltistan, Skardu, the following are the outcomes:
1. Graduates will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various roles within the tourism and hospitality industry, contributing to the professional workforce in Gilgit Baltistan and beyond.
2. The department will consistently maintain and improve its educational quality through a strong Quality Assurance System, ensuring that students receive a high standard of education that meets national and international benchmarks.
3. Students and faculty will engage in research and innovation focused on sustainable tourism, leading to new strategies that balance tourism growth with environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
4. Through expanded international collaborations and exchange programs, students will gain global perspectives and opportunities, enhancing their competitiveness in the international tourism market.
5. Graduates will benefit from well-structured orientation and counseling sessions, leading to successful job placements in the tourism and hospitality sector, both locally and internationally.
6. The department will enhance strong ties with local communities and industry stakeholders, leading to mutually beneficial partnerships that support local economic development and cultural preservation.
7. Through strategic MOUs with industry stakeholders, the department will facilitate the creation and growth of innovative SMEs in the tourism sector, contributing to local economic resilience and entrepreneurship.
8. The department will play a significant role in advancing the SDGs by promoting tourism that uplifts the local economy, improves quality of life, and ensures the preservation of Gilgit-Baltistan's natural and cultural heritage.
Our goals include:
1. Educating and training students to increase professional capacity in tourism and hospitality.
2. Enhancing educational standards through a robust Quality Assurance System.
3. Promoting Research and Innovation in Sustainable Tourism.
4. Expanding International Collaboration and Exchange Programs.
5. Providing orientation and counseling sessions for student job placement.
6. Enhancing Community Engagement and Local Partnerships.
7. Signing MOUs with industry stakeholders to encourage innovative small-medium enterprise projects.
Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management at University of Baltistan, Skardu, is committed to play a pivotal role in lifting the local economy, improving quality of life, preserving the natural and cultural environment, and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through tourism.
Outcomes of the Department.
Based on the goals of the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management at the University of Baltistan, Skardu, the following are the outcomes:
1. Graduates will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various roles within the tourism and hospitality industry, contributing to the professional workforce in Gilgit Baltistan and beyond.
2. The department will consistently maintain and improve its educational quality through a strong Quality Assurance System, ensuring that students receive a high standard of education that meets national and international benchmarks.
3. Students and faculty will engage in research and innovation focused on sustainable tourism, leading to new strategies that balance tourism growth with environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
4. Through expanded international collaborations and exchange programs, students will gain global perspectives and opportunities, enhancing their competitiveness in the international tourism market.
5. Graduates will benefit from well-structured orientation and counseling sessions, leading to successful job placements in the tourism and hospitality sector, both locally and internationally.
6. The department will enhance strong ties with local communities and industry stakeholders, leading to mutually beneficial partnerships that support local economic development and cultural preservation.
7. Through strategic MOUs with industry stakeholders, the department will facilitate the creation and growth of innovative SMEs in the tourism sector, contributing to local economic resilience and entrepreneurship.
8. The department will play a significant role in advancing the SDGs by promoting tourism that uplifts the local economy, improves quality of life, and ensures the preservation of Gilgit-Baltistan's natural and cultural heritage.