Organized annually by the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Tourism, the 27th edition of Tourism Days event was held with the “Beyond Barriers, Equal Access!” theme this year. The program that commenced with academic and cultural events, concluded on Friday, 22 May 2026 with the 27th Tourism Festival and Charity Bazaar. Held at the garden area of EMU Faculty of Tourism, the festival received strong participation.
EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe and Prof. Dr. Al, Öztüren, Acting Dean of Faculty of Tourism Assist. Prof. Dr. İlkay Yorgancı and Vice Dean Assist. Prof. Dr. Tuna Karatepe attended the event.
The festival began with a musical recital performance by Mert Emin Güler and Yiğit Çakır, Music Teaching Program students at EMU Faculty of Education, Department of Fine Arts Education. Following their performance, students were presented with certificates of appreciation by Assist. Prof. Dr. İlkay Yorgancı, Acting Dean of Faculty of Tourism.
“An Inspiration for an Accessible Future”
Delivering the opening address, Assist. Prof. Dr. İlkay Yorgancı underscored this year’s theme of “Beyond Barriers, Equal Access!”, emphasizing that tourism is not solely about travel and recreation, but also carries a responsibility for inclusivity and equal accessibility. Noting that the festival and charity bazaar organized as part of the event serve as a meaningful example of solidarity, sharing, and social awareness, Assist. Prof. Dr. Yorgancı expressed her hope that the event would inspire efforts toward a more accessible future. She also extended her gratitude to Assist. Prof. Dr. Nazenin Ruso, Chair of the EMU Community Involvement Center (CIC), for their community-oriented initiatives, highlighting that through the social responsibility projects she has led over many years, she has positively impacted the lives of numerous individuals.
Special Thanks to CIC Chairperson Assist. Prof. Dr. Nazenin Ruso Kandemir
In appreciation of her outstanding contributions, a silver plaque was presented to Assist. Prof. Dr. Nazenin Ruso Kandemir, Chair of the EMU-CIC and faculty member of the Faculty of Tourism by Assist. Prof. Dr. İlkay Yorgancı, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Tourism. Since 2005, Assist. Prof. Dr. Kandemir has led more than 230 social responsibility initiatives, benefiting thousands of students, children, individuals with disabilities, and senior citizens. She has also served as the Festival Coordinator of Tourism Days for many years.
In her remarks, Assist. Prof. Dr. Yorgancı stated Assist. Prof. Dr. Kandemir is well known for the educational visits and study trips she has organized nationally and internationally over the years, as well as for the extensive range of social and cultural activities she has conducted for students and members of the community. She emphasized that these activities are just as important as academic education in fostering personal and social development.
“Should Access Equally”
In his opening address, EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe emphasized the significance of the event’s theme in raising social awareness. Drawing attention to the need for greater focus on accessibility within the field of tourism, both in social life and academic research, Prof. Dr. Karatepe noted that the topic presents valuable opportunities for postgraduate studies. He stressed that, beyond barriers, all individuals should be able to access opportunities equally within a framework of equal access. Referring to the importance of eudaimonic well-being, Prof. Dr. Karatepe stated that EMU places great importance on barrier-free living and equal accessibility and aims to serve as a model through the initiatives it undertakes in these areas.
Following the opening speeches, EMU Dance Society performed a dance show. In addition, Faculty of Tourism student Vaibhavi Vashishtha performed a Kathak dance blending elements of semi-classical Indian dance and Bollywood choreography.
As part of the festival program, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy DJ Evo’s performance, cultural product stands, food and beverage outlets, a volleyball tournament, and a range of recreational activities throughout the day. The revenues generated during the event were subsequently donated to various organizations.
