"Eastern Mediterranean University (DAÜ) Faculty of Tourism held the 24th Tourism Days which started on 22 May, 2023, with the theme of "Zero Waste and Environment." The 24th Tourism Days finished with various activities on 29 May, 2023.
Chef Ali Ronay Shared His Career Journey in Gastronomy
The 24th Tourism Days commenced on Monday, 22 May, 2023, at 10:30 am at the EMU Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall, with a presentation by Chef Ali Ronay, the owner of Ronay's Deli Restaurant in Istanbul. Chef Ronay delivered a seminar titled "Career Journey in Gastronomy" and provided advice to the graduates on how to plan their careers. Emphasizing the importance of starting from the lowest position in the profession and gradually advancing over time, Chef Ronay advised the students, saying, "Develop yourselves and work with different chefs. Each chef has different points to learn from."
Following the seminar, EMU Faculty of Tourism presented honor and high honor certificates to the successful students of the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Program and the Pastry and Bakery Program for the 2022-2023 Academic Year Fall Semester. Speaking at the opening of the certificate ceremony, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, mentioned the theme of the 24th Tourism Week and highlighted the importance of sustainability and zero waste. Providing career planning advice to the students, Prof. Dr. Kılıç emphasized the significance of Career Days as an invaluable opportunity for the students. Prof. Dr. Kılıç underscored that education is not limited to the classroom but can take place anywhere and emphasized that the students at EMU Faculty of Tourism are equipped not only with professional knowledge in the classrooms but also with an understanding of preserving and carrying forward resources for the future through their engagement with the nature and history of Northern Cyprus, contributing to the formation of their life philosophies. At the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. Kılıç expressed his best wishes for a productive 24th Tourism Career Days for all students.
"The Future of the Aviation Industry and Tourism Management Discussed
As part of the 24th Tourism Days, a seminar titled "The Future of the Aviation Industry" was held on Tuesday, 23 May, 2023, at 11:30 am in seminar room TH108 at the Faculty of Tourism. The seminar was conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cengiz Mesut Bükeç, the Head of Aviation Management Department at Girne University.
Following that, Farid Hazari, the Former Station Manager and Ground Handling Specialist at Dubai International Airport, delivered a presentation on "Airport Ground Handling" and interacted with the students. After the presentations, honor and high honor certificates were presented to the successful students of the Aviation Cabin Services Program and the Tourism and Hotel Management 4-year and 2-year programs for the 2022-2023 Academic Year Fall Semester.
Beach Cleaning Activity
The 24th Tourism Days continued on Wednesday, 24 May, 2023, with various colorful activities. As part of the Beach Cleaning Project, participants went to the EMU Beach Club at 10:00 am to clean the beach. Following the beach cleaning, a seminar on Environmental Cleanup was conducted by Serdar Atai, the President of Famagusta Walled City Association (MASDER), and Cemile Kocareis, the MASDER Project Assistant. Additionally, presentations on "Underwater Cleaning and Scuba Diving" were delivered by Erol Adalıer and Mine Adalıer, the owners of Deep Dive Diving Center.
Seminar on Food Waste and Zero Waste in Kitchens
Nazan Hocanın, the Head of EMU Housıng and Guest Houses Unit, conducted a seminar titled "Food Waste and Zero Waste in Kitchens" at 09:00 am in seminar room TH108. The presentation, which particularly drew the interest of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts students, included real-life examples of recycling within the kitchen, utilization of every ingredient, preservation, and composting of waste materials.
Thursday Market and Excursions
On 25 May, 2023, Thursday, a visit to the Thursday Market in the old Lemar area of Famagusta was organized from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm as part of the Zero Waste Project. Waste products at the market were made use of and served by the EMU Gastronomy Club. Additionally, various excursion activities were organized on 25-26 May, 2023. Participants went on an overnight trip to Güzelyurt - Lefke - Gemikonağı and Yeşilırmak regions. During the trip, they visited the Güzelyurt Archaeology and Nature Museum, St. Mamas Monastery, Güzelyurt Bandabuliya, Soli Ancient City, historical sites in Lefke, including Ottoman Mansions and Aqueducts, Cengiz Topel Monument, Lefke Dam, and Yeşilırmak Strawberry Fields."
"Job Placement and Internship Interviews Organized
During the Tourism Days, a series of meetings were held between industry representatives and current students as well as graduates to help them secure employment and find internships. Managers from Limak, Concorde, Artemis, Arkın Group, and Riverside hotels met with students and delivered presentations. The hotel managers also provided information about job opportunities to the graduating candidates who are about to embark on their professional careers.
Support for Champion Angels Association
Furthermore, on Monday, 29 May, 2023, a series of activities were organized in the garden of the EMU Faculty of Tourism to support the Champion Angels Association. The event began with opening speeches by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, President of the Turkish Cypriot Association of Travel Agents (KITSAB) Orhan Tolun, and General Manager of Kaya Artemis Resort & Casino Tevfik Yılmaz at 10:00 am. In his speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın emphasized that in addition to the Faculty of Tourism being famous for producing highly successful and well-equipped graduates, it also plays an important role in creating solutions and raising awareness about social issues, highlighting the importance of choosing the theme of zero waste and the environment. Orhan Tolun, President of KITSAB, commended the EMU Faculty of Tourism for bringing such an important issue to the forefront of society with their dedication to addressing environmental issues and efficient use of resources. Tevfik Yılmaz, General Manager of Kaya Artemis Resort & Casino, emphasized the theme of zero waste and also provided advice to students regarding their future careers, sharing insights on potential challenges and developments they may encounter.
After the opening speeches, volleyball matches were played on the grass area in the garden of the Faculty of Tourism in honor of Champion Angels. Subsequently, American football competitions were held. Following the competitions, participants had the opportunity to visit cultural and food stands. The event featured a total of 70 stands and various recreational games. All the proceeds collected from the stands have been donated to the Champion Angels Association."
