Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Tourism signed a collaboration protocol with Limak Cyprus Deluxe Hotel. Two institutions are to collaborate in terms of internship and training within the scope of the protocol which aims to improve the tourism in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The signing ceremony took place at EMU Rector’s Office Meeting Hall on Tuesday, 8 June 2021 at 10:30. EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın, EMU Tourism Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Vice Deans Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren and Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Güven Ardahan, EMU Tourism Faculty Internship Coordinator Koral Karamanoğlu, Limak Cyprus Deluxe Hotel General Manager Mehmet Mülayim and Human Resources Manager Sabahattin Yıldız were present during the meeting.
“Protocol will help our Faculty’s Practices”
The opening speech of the ceremony was delivered by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın who commenced his speech by thanking Limak Cyprus Deluxe Hotel family for their cooperation. EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hocanın stated that the protocol will play a significant role on the improvement of internship opportunities offered to EMU Tourism Faculty students. Rector Prof. Dr. Hocanın also said that the signed protocol will support the expansion of the faculty in developing internship opportunities for EMU Tourism Faculty students and in establishing wide-ranging cooperation. Emphasizing the achievements of EMU Tourism Faculty such as being ranked as the 38th in ShanghaiRanking list and being awarded the full FIBAA accreditation for the second time, Prof. Dr. Hocanın continued his words by saying; “With its international profile, mission and vision, EMU as a state university holds a vital role in TRNC. It is our university’s responsibility to be an example with its quality and practices. Such responsibilities are realized in the best way in the fields of education, research and serving the public and, will continue to realize the responsibilities in future as well”.
“Collaboration Continues to Develop”
During his speech, Limak Cyprus Deluxe Hotel General Manager Mehmet Mülayim also stated that the cooperation between the hotel and the EMU Tourism Faculty has continued and improved since the first day the hotel opened its doors, and stated that faculty students have always been one of the important stones of the hotel. Emphasizing that they always give full support to trainee students in order them to fully learn the operation of the system in tourism and hotel industry and, increase their practice, Mülayim pointed out that they have provided better training by including the interns in the trainings they have given in the sector. General Manager Mülayim indicated that TRNC tourism sector is to be one of the leading tourism sectors in the Mediterranean even though the pandemic period put a hold on the sector. According to Mülayim, the development of TRNC tourism sector for the last 15 years can be easily observed. Mülayim stated that their cooperation with EMU will increase continuously and contribute to both the sector and students.
“We Bring Trained Staff Members into the Sector”
EMU Tourism Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç also delivered a speech touching on the importance of the collaboration made with Limak Cyprus Deluxe Hotel. Expressing his excitement on collaboration on the leading hotel chains of Turkey, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that students are to benefit from the collaboration and the practice opportunities it will offer. Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that the academic achievements of EMU Tourism Faculty are an undeniable fact and that the tourism and higher education sectors have been affected by the pandemic period, and drew attention to the importance of mutual support of the university and the industry in this sense. Prof. Dr. Kılıç thanked Limak Cyprus Deluxe Hotel management and EMU Rector’s Office.
The signing session took place following the speeches. EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın, EMU Tourism Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and Limak Cyprus Deluxe Hotel General Manager Mehmet Mülayim signed the protocol.
