Tourism Week at CIU Concludes with a Comprehensive Program

Events organized by the School of Tourism and Hotel Management at Cyprus International University (CIU) as part of Tourism Week were carried out through applied activities supporting the concept of sustainable tourism. Within the program, the evaluations of Prof. Dr. Hale Özdoğaç Özgit, Director of the School, on the current dynamics of tourism came to the forefront.

In her remarks for Tourism Week, Prof. Dr. Hale Özdoğaç Özgit emphasized that tourism is not only an economic activity but also a strategic element of existence, especially for island countries. Highlighting that, given the limited resources of island economies, tourism is a key sector that transforms natural and cultural values into economic added value, Özgit noted that this situation also brings a delicate balance that must be preserved. She explained that the traditional understanding of tourism has been replaced by a sustainable destination approach, adding that the protection of environmental resources, preservation of cultural identity, and enhancement of local community welfare are fundamental components of this process.

Prof. Dr. Özgit further stated that success in tourism should not be measured solely by visitor numbers, but also by the environmental and cultural impact left by destinations, stressing that sustainability must be at the core of tourism policies.

On the first day of the events, a gastronomy workshop was organized for vocational high school students. Held in CIU’s practice kitchens, the activity provided participants with hands-on experience in various techniques. On the same day, a tourism fair held at the Student Center brought together industry representatives and students, aiming to raise awareness of the sector and contribute to students’ career planning.