The Tourism and Hotel Management Program Held Its First Advisory Board Meeting for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
The Tourism and Hotel Management Program at the Department of Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering Services at Balıkesir University's Balıkesir Vocational School held its first Advisory Board meeting for the 2025-2026 academic year on October 16, 2025. Attendees included Department Head Prof. Dr. Kudret Gül; Asst. Prof. Dr. Özlem Ari; faculty member Asst. Prof. Dr. Yunus Arslan; faculty members Lecturer Dr. Mehtap Türkan and Lecturer Esra Yörülmaz; and industry representatives Semih Çelik, Manager of Altın Hotel; Sümeyra Lostar, Manager of Willmont Hotel; and Oğuzhan Beyhan, Manager of The Chef's Company.
At the meeting, industry stakeholders were informed about the 3+1 education model, which will be implemented in the department starting in the 2025-2026 academic year; and details regarding the business internship process to be conducted within this model were shared. Additionally, feedback was received from industry representatives regarding the knowledge, skills, and competencies sought in graduates, and opinions and suggestions regarding the professional development of current students were evaluated.
The meeting addressed the areas where businesses are experiencing employment challenges and their reasons, and discussed course content and curriculum development suggestions suggested by industry representatives. Information was also shared regarding development efforts undertaken for the 2025-2026 academic year, adjustments based on survey results, and events in which the department participated.
Advisory Board members emphasized the importance of incorporating psychological resilience into course content and informational activities in the tourism sector. They also suggested that the housekeeping department motivate students regarding career planning and support efforts to ensure graduates' employment in the sector.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of industry-education collaboration to sustain quality processes and continuous improvement activities.
As the Tourism and Hotel Management Program, we thank our valued Advisory Board members for their contributions and participation.
