Known as the educational institution in the tourism sector and hospitality industry with the broadest participation, the European Association of Hotel and Tourism Schools’ (AEHT) 5. Youth Parliament took place at the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) from the 2nd to the 6th of May 2017. Students from all across Europe came to North Cyprus to participate in the Parliament and to search for an answer to the question of whether or not “mass tourism” and “ slow tourism” can be carried out at the same time.
The official opening of the Youth Parliament took place on the 3rd of March 2017 with the attendance of EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Özgür Eren, Tourism Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Prof. Dr. Turgay Avcı, Vice Deans Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren and Asst. Prof. Dr. M. Güven Ardahan, Asst. Prof. Dr. İlkay Yorgancı Maloney, academic staff members Nejla Çancı and Koral Karamanoğlu, EMU Tourism Club Chair Çağatay Kaan Eren as well as instructors and students from the AEHT membering schools.
Prof. Dr. Hasan KILIÇ: The topic of debate isn’t just important for European countries but for our country too; The aim is to form collaborations between students and institutions
In his opening speech, EMU Tourism Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç noted that they are very proud to be hosting this organization indicating that the fact that the European Youth Parliament is taking place at EMU for the first time in the TRNC is indicative of the importance the university places on Tourism education which is also bearing its fruit in Europe. Indicating that the report created at the end of the parliament will shed light on the future of tourism, Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that it will no doubt be taken into consideration and evaluated in the development of European tourism. Prof. Dr. Kılıç concluded by indicating that the debate topic isn’t just important for European countries but also for our country stating that the main aim is to form collaborations and networks between participating students.
Prof. Dr. Necdet OSAM: Tolerance is at the core of the tourism sector
In his opening speech, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam noted that the removal of borders in the globalizing world is being consolidated by the tourism sector as tourism has no borders. Stating that tourism isn’t only an economic phenomenon Prof. Dr. Osam stated that it brings about cultural interaction, requires mutual tolerance and provides the opportunity to gain a wider perspective on life.
Global Practice Examples from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren
After the opening speeches the rules, limitations and responsibilities of the 5. AEHT Youth Parliament were specified by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren acting as moderator. After Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öztüren’s presentation titled “Mass Tourism, Slow Tourism and Global Practices” parliament member students carried out presentations on examples from their own countries.
Students who came to North Cyprus to attend the Youth Parliament from many different tourism centres voted in a democratic environment to determine the 5. AEHT Youth Parliaments’ Chair, Vice-Chair and General Secretary. The parliament members divided into seven groups after a decision from the Presidential Council.
After debate on the economic, social and environmental effects of Mass Tourism and Slow Tourism, the groups presented their views on the matter. After the declarations and debates, the chains of thought were reported and sent to the AEHT headquarters to be shared with AEHT members and the general public.
5th AEHT Youth Parliament members, also explored North Cyprus’ historical, cultural and natural touristic centres via the tours they attended. All of the 5th AEHT Youth Parliament members noted that they would return to the island either for education or holidays.
