Bursa Business School hosted the ‘Workshop on Ethics in Tourism’

The Tourism Ethics Workshop of the Tourism Council, which operates within the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO), was held at the Bursa Business School (BBS), the reference training center of the business world. BTSO Board Member Erol Kılıç, Council Secretary Gülçin Güleç, Service Trade Council President Turgay Güler, Bursa Trade Provincial Director İsmail Aslanlar, SKAL Associations Federation Vice President Emre Gezgin, and council members attended the workshop aimed at contributing to the adoption and implementation of ethical principles in the tourism sector.
BTSO Board Member Erol Kılıç stated that Bursa is a strong city not only with its industrial and production infrastructure but also with its historical and cultural values. Emphasizing that the unveiling and promotion of the values ​​Bursa possesses is only possible with a culture of joint action, Kılıç said, ‘In this regard, under the leadership of our Tourism Council, which brings together all stakeholders of the sector, we continue our efforts with the aim of increasing our city’s share from the tourism industry. I am pleased to share that our Bursa Business School and our Gökmen Space Aviation Training Center – GUHEM, which we have established as one of the leading centers in the world, have become one of the most special stops for our visitors to Bursa. I believe that adhering to ethical values ​​and principles by all stakeholders, from the largest to the smallest tourism businesses, will play a significant role in achieving the goals of Bursa tourism.’
‘We must adhere to ethical values ​​and professional principles’
Stating that the main criterion for success in the business world is undoubtedly commercial reputation, Kılıç said, ‘Commercial reputation is a value that can be obtained over time and as a result of your behaviors. This value cannot be bought with money. Of course, another important issue in business life is how profit is obtained. Profit must be both legal and legitimate. Even if it is in accordance with the law, profit that is not in line with ethical values ​​is not suitable for our culture and the tradition of ahi. Therefore, we do not find it right to win at any cost. Especially in a sector like tourism, where competition is intense, we believe that ethical values ​​must be preserved. I think that adhering to the ethical values ​​and principles of tourism by all stakeholders, from the largest to the smallest tourism businesses, will play a significant role in achieving the goals of Bursa tourism. In this context, I believe that this workshop led by our Tourism Council is extremely beneficial.’
‘Meaningful workshop during Ethics Week’
Trade Provincial Director İsmail Arslanlar stated that Bursa, a city that served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire, has stood out for centuries as an important trade center, saying, ‘Bursa carries traces of the tradition of ahi. Introducing and sustaining the culture of ahi, and transferring it to future generations in commercial life, are among our priority works. I think that the workshop organized in this context is important for our tourism sector and city culture.’
‘Bursa Business School filled an important gap’
Murat Saraçoğlu, the President of TÜRSAB Southern Marmara Region, mentioned that they conducted a productive workshop under the leadership of BTSO. Saraçoğlu stated, ‘I congratulate BTSO Chairman Mr. İbrahim Burkay and the tourism council members for this work. We are pleased that importance is given to tourism. We held our workshop at BBS. Bursa has gained a wonderful center for the business world. Professional conferences and meetings are very valuable in the sector. There was a lack of space in Bursa to hold these events. With BBS, this gap has been filled. We have gained a structure that strengthens our hands to hold major events in Bursa.’
‘BBS should set an example for all of Turkey’
Emre Gezgin, Vice President of SKAL Associations Federation, expressed that he found it valuable that such a workshop was held under the roof of BTSO. Gezgin said, ‘We addressed the ethical values of our workshop based on 6 different headings referring to the ethical codes of the World Tourism Organization. It was a very beneficial workshop for all participants. Furthermore, I find it very valuable that BBS, which hosted the workshop, was established in Bursa. It should be an exemplary work for all of Turkey that a chamber of commerce and industry carries out such a project.’