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EMU Faculty of Tourism Activity “Tourism Day” Takes Place

Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Tourism held a “2017 World Cultural Heritage Day” themed tourism day organization.  The annual organization took place on Thursday, the 20th of April 2017 at the Famagusta Namık Kemal Square between 10:00-17:00.

Hasan Kılıç

The Tourism Day that included various dance and music shows began with EMU Faculty of Tourism Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç’s opening speech at 14:00. In behalf of the Tourism Faculty, Prof. Dr. Kılıç thanked everyone who played a part in the organization of the event. Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that tourism sustainability is of the utmost importance indicating that tourism sources should be protected and passed on to the future. Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that Famagusta is the best example of cultural heritage and sustainable tourism.  Calling EMU the flagship of Tourism education Prof. Dr. Kılıç provided information about their faculty. Prof. Dr. Kılıç announced that income from the stands will be donated to children with leukemia.

Naciye Doratlı

During her opening address, EMU Faculty of Architecture and Center for Cyprus Studies Chair Prof. Dr. Naciye Doratlı stated that this year’s theme of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) day was determined as “Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Heritage” and thus a joint organization took place for the celebrations. Underlining that cultural properties are the source of the island’s prosperity, Prof. Dr. Doratlı also touched upon the unique cultural wealth of the city of Famagusta. At the end of her speech, Prof. Dr. Doratlı wished all the participants a pleasant event. 

Orhan Tolun

In a speech of his own, Cyprus Turkish Travel Agents Association Chair Orhan Tolun described the city of Famagusta as a cultural mosaic hosting many foreign students from all over the world and by saying that “The city has been estranged from the sea”, and expressing his desire of creating a more sustainable Famagusta Walled City.

Fethi Özboğaç

Speaking at the event, Cyprus Turkish Hoteliers Association Chair Fethi Özboğaç stated that he is a proud EMU graduate and Famagusta has been of great value since his days in EMU. At the end of his speech, Özboğaç thanked everyone who contributed to the event and emphasized the significant role of sustainable tourism to maintain our historical and cultural values.

İsmail Arter

Famagusta Mayor İsmail Arter expressed his satisfaction regarding the event that creates awareness highlighting that Famagusta is in an important position concerning cultural heritage compared to other cities. Mayor Arter stated that the Famagusta Municipality is prepared to do all they can to protect cultural heritage with a sustainable structure.

Hüseyin Özkaramanlı

Speaking on behalf of EMU, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özkaramanlı stated that they are very happy to be carrying out this meaningful event at the historic Namık Kemal Square. Underlining that EMU is ready to play its part regarding tourism and cultural heritage, Prof. Dr. Özkaramanlı wished everyone a pleasant event.

Fikri Ataoğlu

TRNC Minister of Tourism and Environment Fikri Ataoğu drew attention to the fact that tourism is the country’s flagship industry stating that they are prepared to provide full support to the development of tourism and cultural heritage. Ataoğlu stated that a sustainable structure of tourism is very important underlining that work on projects that reflect culture will be continuing.

Hüseyin Özkaramanlı, Fikri Ataoğu

Hüseyin Özkaramanlı, İsmail Arter

After the opening speeches, Prof. Dr. Özkaramanlı presented those who contributed to the organization a plaque of appreciation and a Cypriot Lefkara frame. The event which was attended by a large number of people ended with a concert from popular Cypriot music group Grup Frekans.