School of Foreign Languages

“Cappadocia from Past to Present: Opportunities and Transformation in Tourism”

The talk titled “Cappadocia from Past to Present: Opportunities and Transformation in Tourism,” organized by Özge Poyraz and Olcay Uzun, the instructors responsible for the elective Tourism & Travel and Photography & Storytelling Club courses of the Optional Preparatory Classes at the School of Foreign Languages, was held with the participation of the Director of the School Dr. Ercan Kaçmaz, the Vice Directors Dr. Fatma Başarır and Dr. Aslı Özdemir, academics, and students.

Professional tour guide, photographer, and agency manager Ümit Yıldırım, who attended the event as the guest speaker, evaluated the development of tourism in Cappadocia from past to present and emphasized that the traditional mass tourism model is gradually being replaced by more personalized and unique experiences.

Experience Tourism and Changing Expectations

The event particularly focused on the concept of experience tourism. It was emphasized that visitors no longer wish to merely see a destination, but rather to feel it, interact with the local culture, and become part of its story. In this context, concepts such as oenotourism, ecotourism, and sustainable nature‑friendly tourism were highlighted. The speaker also shared with students how the world looks through the eyes of a professional tour guide and explained the powerful role of photography in this process. Throughout the talk, the importance of professional tour guiding in the tourism sector and the power of foreign languages in this field were emphasized.

In the final part of the talk, the speaker highlighted the importance for students to use at least one foreign language effectively and to gain field experience, after which he answered questions from the audience. The program concluded with the presentation of a certificate of appreciation. The event not only provided an academic perspective on the transforming structure of tourism but also served as an inspiring meeting for students.