Türkiye'de Profesyonel Turist Rehberliği Mesleğinde Uzmanlaşma: Bölgelerin Mevcut Durumu ve Geleceğe Dönük Öneriler (Specialization in Professional Tourist Guiding Profession in Turkey: Current Situation of The Regions and Future Recommendations)

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the current situation of specialization in the professional tourist guiding profession in Turkey and to make suggestions for the future by identifying potential areas of specialization on a regional basis. In the literature, it is seen that the studies on specialization in tourist guidance are studies on the explanation of the types of specialization and the specialization training organized by professional organizations. However, this study reveals the current situation, evaluates potential areas of expertise, draws attention to shortcomings, and makes suggestions for the future. In this respect, this conceptual study may be useful for academic circles by filling the gaps in the literature. On the other hand, it is seen as an important study that guides both those who are professionally engaged in the tourist guiding profession in the sector and the candidates who are trained to do the tourist guiding profession, to differentiate themselves from their colleagues in an intensely competitive environment. In this context, based on the literature review, firstly, the subject of specialization in tourist guidance was examined and the current situation was evaluated based on the expertise training held in Turkey. Then, according to the tourism potentials of the regions in Turkey, tourist guidance specialization areas were presented, and the striking deficiencies were highlighted. In the conclusion part, a general evaluation was made, the outputs for the academic circles and sector practitioners were discussed, and suggestions for future studies were made.