Institute of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Hospitality Management
Introduction
The Institute of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Hospitality Management thas been established with a view to save the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Swat region, to establish an archaeological and ethnic profile of the region, to explore the genesis of the cultural activities, to trace the complex and rich historical past of the ancient period of the country, to promote eco- and cultural tourism of Pakistan in general and the Malakand division and the Northern Areas in particular, and to impart quality education at graduate, undergraduate and postgraduate levels at par with the international standards.It was prime need of the time to work on all aspects of the subject to create awareness among the general masses to play a vital role in the saving of their cultural heritage. It was also a need of time to prepare professionals trained in fields like Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Management, Tourism Management, Hotel Management and Conservation of Tangible and Intangible culture of our resource rich country according to the globally practiced trends and standards. This could be possible only with the establishment of a department with faculty members having sound knowledge and experience in their respective areas of specialization. The worthy voice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan took the bold step to establish the Institute of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Hospitality Management in University of Swat where professionals will be produced having sound knowledge and equipped with skills to protect and promote our rich heritage for the benefit of future generations and our country.
Mission
Our aim is to prepare students for global leadership in Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Hospitality Management through innovative learning, rigorous training, diverse field activities, updated and advance curriculum. To train students as per international standards opportunities to work with foreign experts in field will be created. In order to increase the capacity of revenue generation from this important sector of Pakistan in general and Swat valley in specific skilled professionals with sound knowledge about the region will be produced.
Vision
- In future we are planning to start short courses for unskilled and jobless youth of Swat valley in Tourism and Hotel services.
- Establishment of an Ethnological and Archaeological Museum in the University.
Establishment of Archaeological Conservation and Research Laboratory.
BS in Cultural Heritage and Tourism Management:
The concept of cultural heritage and tourism management is not new to the world but recognition of the field as a subject in Pakistan is quite now. Every year countries around the world are generating billions of dollars of revenue while employing nearly 14 million people. Pakistan is unable to contribute to the revenue generation despite cultural and natural richness. The main reason behind this problem is lack of professional and technical expertise in the industry. To counter this problem, Cultural Heritage Management and Tourism & Hospitality Management studies was introduced in different universities of Pakistan and especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
An integrated degree in Cultural Heritage and Tourism Management prepares students for positions in multiple fields ranging from Cultural Heritage Management and Archaeology to Tourism and Hospitality Management. The up to date and advance courses will help us in preparing professionals having a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers, resulting in opening the doors for graduates to a wide variety of occupations both within and beyond heritage as well as Tourism and Hospitality Industry. Along with the focus on the theoretical aspects of the program we are also focusing on providing students with first hand practical exposure.
- BS CHTM Program
Degree Duration / Credit Hours
This is a four year degree program comprising 8 semesters with minimum of 133 semester credit hours (SCH). There will be a fall and Spring semester in each year.
Admission Criteria for BS CHTM
For obtaining admission in BS (4 Years) CHTM student must have FA/F.Sc or Equivalent with minimum 45% marks.
Program Objectives
- To prepare skilled professionals in the fields of Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Management as well as Tourism and Hospitality Management who can cope with the newly arising issues related to these fields.
- To equip students with the advance skills needed for the protection and promotion of cultural and natural resources of the region.
- To prepare professionals with diverse skills who can work in future as policy makers and young entrepreneurs.
- To integrate cultural heritage sector in tourism industry for developing the area as a unique tourism product.
- To enable students to promote tourism as a tool for sustainable development of the region.
- To enable students to demonstrate their knowledge, skill and communicate ideas in an effective manner while providing quality services.
- To acquire the necessary competency in Tour and Travel as well as hospitality Services, while discovering all the different aspects of this field.
- To assist in human resources development by providing advance and updated knowledge in the field of archaeology and cultural heritage management.
- To enable students to handle conservation and preservation issues related to the Cultural Heritage as professionals.
- To enable them to handle the legal issues related to the Cultural Heritage in the light of national and international Charters.
- BS Archeology
This is a four year degree program comprising 8 semesters with minimum of 136 semester credit hours (SCH). There will be a fall and Spring semester in each year.
Admission Criteria Archeology
For obtaining admission in BS (4 Years) CHTM student must have FA/F.Sc or Equivalent with minimum 45% marks.
Degree Duration / Credit Hours
This is a four year degree program comprising 8 semesters with minimum of 136 semester credit hours (SCH). There will be a fall and Spring semester in each year.
Dr. Zarawar KhanIn-Charge | |
Dr. Aatif IqbalLecturer | |
Mr. Farhad NazirLecturer | |
Mr. Muhammad WaliullahLecturer |
The Food and Beverages Laboratory at the Institute of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Hospitality Management (ICHTHM), University of Swat, was inaugurated on October 15, 2024, by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Hassan Sher. The event was attended by distinguished guest Prof. Syed Jamal Shah, and faculty members of the University of Swat including Prof. Dr. Anwar Hussain, Dean Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, University of Swat, Dr. Zarawar Khan, In-Charge ICHTHM, Dr. Aatif Iqbal, Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality at the ICHTHM, Prof. Dr. Hazrat Bilal, Chairman Center for Management & Commerce, Dr. Lutfullah, Chairman Department of Law & Sharia, and students of Archaeology and Tourism & Hospitality, University of Swat.
Dr. Aatif Iqbal emphasized the labs significance for the Tourism and Hospitality students, noting its role in providing practical training and preparing them for careers in
national and international hospitality industries. The students also showcased their skills by hosting and serving the participants.
Inauguration of the Uḍḍiyāna Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at the University of Swat
Th Uḍḍiyāna Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology was inaugurated on October 15, 2025, at the University of Swat under the Institute of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Hospitality Management (ICHTHM). The ceremony was performed by Prof. Dr. Hassan Sher (SAARC Gold Medalist), the Honourable Vice Chancellor University of Swat, and attended by Prof. Syed Jamal Shah, Chairman Hunerkada, Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Anwar Hussain, Dean Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, University of Swat, Dr. Zarawar Khan, In-Charge ICHTHM, Dr. Aatif Iqbal, Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality at the ICHTHM, Prof. Dr. Hazrat Bilal, Chairman Center for Management & Commerce, Dr. Lutfullah, Chairman Department of Law & Sharia, along with students of Archaeology and Tourism & Hospitality, University of Swat.
The Museum has been established to preserve and conserve archaeological and ethnological artifacts from the Swat Valley, aiming to educate the students and the public about the region’s cultural heritage. Dr. Zarawar Khan highlighted the global importance of museums as non-profit institutions for knowledge and cultural enrichment.