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The aim of this book is to test vocational education through the adapted concept of OTEM in North Cyprus tourism industry. As tourism becomes more global in postmodern world and North Cyprus is a bright example of it, the education institutions and universities providing education in tourism are becoming a major factor for the innovative thinking and challenge. Still, tourism educational systems are in need of essential change in order to meet the challenges of the next few decades. At the current level of partnership between business and education in North Cyprus in terms of tourism can not be considered sufficient and the author examines the reasons for this mismatch through collecting quantitative and qualitative data from the sample participants to understand: is vocational education and more specifically OTEM a condition of quality and competitiveness in North Cyprus. The analysis should help to understand that more intensive communication between employers and Universities (education centers) is needed which would promote better awareness of the needs of employers in the preparation of the graduates and universities by providing guidance for a more realistic assessment.

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Aygul Sayakenova, MSc: Tourism and Hospitality at Girne American University (North Cyprus). Professional with 10 years experience in tourism and hospitality, cultural policy & education. Worked in the World Bank and Delegation of European Commission in Kazakhstan.

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