The Department of Tourism Management was established in 2008. Student admissions to the program commenced in the Fall Semester of the 2016–2017 academic year. The primary objective of the Department is to provide contemporary, scientific, and high-quality education in the field of tourism management, thereby training qualified personnel as well as prospective mid- and upper-level managers for the tourism industry. In line with this objective, students are equipped with knowledge and skills in a foreign language (English or German), information technologies, the tourism sector and tourism enterprises, as well as modern management and administrative practices.

The objectives of the Department of Tourism Management are as follows:

1. To prioritize the personal development of students through a student-centered approach,
2. To contribute to the production of academic knowledge,
3. To maintain an academic staff that continuously renews itself and reinforces theoretical knowledge through practical applications in the sector,
4. To instill a universal perspective that fosters students’ development as global citizens while transmitting national values to future generations,
5. To establish an institutional culture based on participatory processes, teamwork, a strong sense of collective identity, and flexible hierarchical relations,
6. To generate sustainable solutions to the problems of the tourism sector through analytical approaches,
7. To raise public awareness about tourism and promote a deeper understanding and experience of it,
8. To build capacity and awareness for the exploration, development, and effective utilization of Bartın’s cultural and tourism resources.

Fields of Employment

Graduates of the Department have a wide range of employment opportunities in a rapidly developing tourism sector, including accommodation establishments, food and beverage enterprises, transportation companies, travel agencies, museums, and national parks. In addition, academically successful and motivated graduates may pursue an academic career.

Educational Process

The undergraduate program spans four years, during which students receive both theoretical and practical training. Beginning at the end of the fourth semester, students are required to complete a total of 60 days of compulsory internship. In line with sectoral needs, the curriculum includes training in hotel automation systems; accordingly, students are instructed in widely used software such as Opera and Fidelio, ensuring they graduate as well-equipped professionals for the tourism industry. Students may also benefit from Double Major programs, allowing them to pursue a second degree concurrently, or Minor programs, enabling them to take courses in a related field.

Furthermore, within the framework of Erasmus+ Learning Mobility agreements, students may study at European universities for one semester or a full academic year. Through the Erasmus+ Traineeship Mobility Program, they also have the opportunity to gain professional training and work experience in European enterprises or organizations. Under the Mevlana Exchange Program, students may study at universities across various regions of the world for one semester or a full academic year. The Farabi Exchange Program facilitates the exchange of students and academic staff among higher education institutions within the country.

The Department of Tourism Management delivers its contemporary curriculum through the effective use of technological educational tools and resources, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of both theoretical instruction and practical applications.