K. GURKAN OZER

Gurkan Ozer As a tourism professional with over 25 years of global experience in sustainable tourism, event management, tourism internet technologies, online booking systems, tourism action plans, marketing strategies, and tourism master planning, I am pleased to introduce myself. Throughout my career, I have worked in diverse capacities, ranging from consulting for national tourism authorities to leading projects that integrate cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices. One of my areas of expertise is developing comprehensive sustainable tourism master plans and action plans that drive long-term growth while preserving cultural and environmental integrity. Among my notable projects are the development of Istanbul’s Official Sustainable Tourism Action Plan and Istanbul Tourism Master Plan, creating detailed and unique methodology Tourism Master Plans for countries such as Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bulgaria, and collaborating with international teams on tourism strategies. These large-scale projects and plans have enhanced my ability to align local tourism goals with global sustainable tourism criteria, ensuring destinations remain competitive and resilient. In addition to planning and policy, I bring extensive knowledge in tourism technology. I established Turkey’s first online travel portal, setting new standards in the industry. My contributions to digital platforms like Istanbul’s official destination promotion website underscore my commitment to enhancing visitor experiences through innovative solutions. As a certified Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) consultant and a member of the UNWTO Panel of Experts, I am deeply committed to sustainability. My recent work in certifying destinations like Istanbul’s Şişli District demonstrates how I help destinations meet international standards, create positive socio-economic impacts, and preserve their unique heritage. By leveraging my expertise, your destination can enhance strategic planning, adopt state-of-the-art digital solutions, and achieve its sustainable tourism objectives. I am eager to collaborate on initiatives that will position your destination as a leader in responsible tourism. Thank you for considering my profile. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with your destination goals. In sort, I work for below: • Competencies: • Tourism Master Plans • Tourism Action & Strategy Plans • Destination Digital Platforms – official websites • Online Booking websites • Conferences, Exhibitions and Events • Trainer & Instructor • Tourism Impact Analysis in a Destination • Public Sustainability Reports for Tourism Destinations • Destination Tourism related Climate Action Policies & Plans • Stakeholder Mapping, Meetings and Assessment • Sustainable Tourism Action Plans - Authorized to manage Destination Sustainable Tourism Certification processes by Green Destinations and GSTC