Mission

The primary mission of the Department of Tourist Guidance is to train qualified tourist guides and future academic staff through an educational process that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience. In this context, we aim to educate individuals who are:

Equipped with historical, cultural and geographical knowledge, with strong national awareness and representation skills,
Able to communicate effectively in at least two foreign languages,
Conscious of intercultural understanding and ethical values such as respect, honesty and courtesy,
Skilled in process management, leadership, decision-making and problem-solving.

Our educational policy is to design a program in which students are not passive recipients of information but active participants, gaining a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and field experience.

History

The department began its educational activities within the Faculty of Tourism in the Fall Semester of the 2015–2016 academic year with its first student intake.

Since the Fall Semester of 2016–2017, Mersin University has also been admitting students to graduate-level (master’s) programs in the field.

Our academic staff consists of professors, associate professors, assistant/doctoral lecturers and research assistants across various academic ranks.

Vision

To become a respected and preferred educational institution in the field of tourist guidance at both national and international levels,
To contribute globally by encouraging collaboration between our academic staff and students and international organizations,
To strengthen the infrastructure that supports both theoretical and applied research and to develop meaningful projects,
To ensure that our graduates take active roles in the tourism sector, public institutions, cultural promotion activities and academia.

Core Values

Ethics and integrity
Scientific thinking and intellectual freedom
Innovation and creativity
Social responsibility
Tolerance and openness
A sustainable perspective
Participation and collaboration
Academic transparency and accountability

Objectives

To train competent, profession-ready tourist guides,
To produce scientific knowledge and develop projects in the field of tourist guidance,
To strengthen human resources in the field by training academic staff,
To develop international partnerships and support student/faculty exchange,
To establish a graduate tracking system and evaluate the success of our alumni,
To embrace a culture of continuous improvement.

Educational Policy

To integrate theoretical courses with field practices in a balanced manner,
To reinforce learning through active learning methods, project-based work and field trips,
To keep the curriculum up to date by following national and international standards,
To support internships, educational excursions and sectoral collaborations that enhance professional experience,
To adopt a student-centered approach by offering academic support, advising and guidance opportunities.

Institutional Culture and Alumni Relations

“Being part of Mersin Tourism” signifies more than graduating from the program—it represents belonging to a tradition of cultural heritage, solidarity and shared identity.

Our Alumni Association (METİOD), operating actively within our faculty, strengthens bonds between students and graduates by providing scholarships, internship opportunities, sectoral networking and organizing various activities.

Vizyon Misyon Tarihçe