The 26th National Tourism Congress, which addressed current research, industry developments, and interdisciplinary approaches in tourism, was held in Şırnak on October 8–10, 2026.
Hosted by the School of Tourism and Hotel Management at Şırnak University under the main theme of “Culture, Faith, and Nature,” the congress brought together academics, tourism industry representatives, and stakeholders from various institutions.
Our University was represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bahar from the Tourism Guiding Program and Assist. Prof. Dr. Avşin Ayhan from the Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program, both of whom also serve at our Social and Strategic Studies Application and Research Center. Other participants from our University included Assist. Prof. Dr. Derya Çetinoğlu, Lecturer İrem Toprak, and Research Assistant Dr. Büşra Kaya from the Tourism Guiding Program, as well as Lecturer Nejla Nur Kılıç from the Tourist Guiding Program.
As one of Türkiye’s significant academic gatherings in the field of tourism, the congress provided a platform for discussing recent research, emerging approaches, and sectoral developments across various areas of tourism, including cultural, faith-based, and nature tourism.
The congress being held in Şırnak also held particular significance in relation to our University’s previously developed “Şırnak Provincial Tourism Promotion and Development Roadmap.” Prepared to assess the province’s tourism potential, identify development opportunities, and establish a strategic framework for the future, this study represents an important example of our University’s destination-oriented research and planning activities.
With contributions from our Social and Strategic Studies Application and Research Center, our University continues to support scientific research, regional development, cultural heritage preservation, and the sustainable development of tourism destinations. In this context, knowledge exchange and academic collaboration through national and international scientific platforms contribute to the research and strategic planning activities of both our University and our Center.
