Prof.Dr., Akdeniz University, Turkey 📜
Prof. Fatma Özlem Güzel is a distinguished academic specializing in tourism management, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Currently a professor at Akdeniz University’s Faculty of Tourism, she has made significant contributions to research and education in tourism guidance. With a strong background in tourism and business studies, she has actively participated in academic leadership, thesis supervision, and interdisciplinary research. Her work spans various fields, including spirituality in tourism, destination branding, and experiential tourism. She has received multiple certifications and awards, further solidifying her expertise in the industry.
Profile
Orcid
Education 🎓
Prof. Güzel holds a Doctorate in Business from Süleyman Demirel University (2007-2012) and a Master’s degree in Tourism Management from Balıkesir University (2005-2007). She has pursued various certifications in sustainability, tourism planning, and educational management, including training in environmental sustainability, social sciences project writing, and qualitative research methodologies. Her continuous education demonstrates her dedication to enhancing tourism practices through academic excellence and applied knowledge.
Experience 💼
Prof. Güzel has a rich academic career spanning over 17 years. She has served as a professor at Akdeniz University since 2023, previously holding associate and assistant professor roles since 2014. Before that, she was a lecturer at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University. Additionally, she has held key administrative positions, including Head of the Department of Tourism Guidance and management roles in research centers focused on tourism development. Her experience also includes international coordination roles for Erasmus and Farabi exchange programs.
Research Interests 🔬
Prof. Güzel’s research focuses on tourism management, destination branding, sustainable tourism, and cultural heritage preservation. She has extensively studied experiential tourism, spirituality in tourism, and tourist behavior, integrating interdisciplinary methodologies. Her work often examines the intersection of tourism and social sciences, particularly in cultural identity, environmental impact, and tourism entrepreneurship.
Awards 🏆
Throughout her career, Prof. Güzel has been recognized for her contributions to tourism research and education. She has received prestigious grants and acknowledgments for her work in sustainable tourism, cultural studies, and tourism education. Her expertise has been instrumental in shaping tourism policies and sustainable practices.
Publications 📚
Dimensions of Spirituality in Tourism: Developing The Spiritual Tourism Experience Scale (STES)
Journal of Destination Marketing and Management, Vol. 26, 2024 (Link) – Cited by 15 articles
Pomaks Protecting Their Cultural Heritage In Anatolia: A Research On Their Socio-Cultural Experiences
Milli Folklor: International and Quarterly Journal of Folklore, Vol. 137, No. 4, 2023 (Link) – Cited by 8 articles
The Success Factors of Wine Tourism Entrepreneurship for Rural Areas
Journal of Rural Studies, Vol. 84, 2021 (Link) – Cited by 22 articles
Do Experiential Destination Attributes Create Emotional Arousal and Memory?
Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, Vol. 29, No. 8, 2020 (Link) – Cited by 18 articles
Ritual Content of Bocuk Night As a Heritage In Turkish Culture: A Phenomenological Research
Milli Folklor: International and Quarterly Journal of Folklore, No. 128, 2020 (Link) – Cited by 10 articles
Push-Motivation-Based Emotional Arousal: A Research Study in a Coastal Destination
Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, Vol. 16, 2020 (Link) – Cited by 12 articles
Experience-Based Service Design
Handbook of Managing and Marketing Tourism Experiences, Vol. 25, 2016 (Link) – Cited by 9 articles
Conclusion 🎯
Prof. Fatma Özlem Güzel is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to her significant contributions to tourism research, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Her extensive experience, leadership roles, and strong publication record make her an outstanding candidate. With further international collaborations and technological advancements in her research, she can achieve even greater impact in the field. 🌍✨