Graduates’ Perceptions of Professional Preparation and Development Processes of Academics in Tourism Guiding Bachelor’s Degree at Public Universities in Türkiye
Öz
This study aims to examine graduates’ perceptions of professional preparation and development in relation to the license ownership and professional practice status of academics in tourism guiding Bachelor’s degree programs at public universities in Türkiye. The study, structured into two phases, was carried out using a qualitative research design. Data on academic profiles were obtained through document review of publicly available authorized websites of the Council of Higher Education and the Union of Tourist Guides of Türkiye, and analyzed using document and content analysis. In the graduate-focused part, data were collected using a qualitative form technique. Participants were selected based on criterion sampling, and an online form developed with expert input reached 25 graduates. The collected data were subjected to content analysis using MAXQDA, and three first-level themes were identified. The study is important as it outlines the current situation in Türkiye while adding an updated perspective to the limited literature. Findings show that as of July 2025, 37 tourism guiding Bachelor’s degrees exist across 35 public universities among 236 academics with various titles, of whom 98 are licensed. Graduate perceptions indicate that academics effectively support professional preparation and development.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Türkiye, Bachelor’s Degree Program in Tourism Guiding, Tourist Guide, Public Universities. Graduate Perceptions
Etik Beyan
The study data were collected following approval from the Ethics Committee for Human Research at Aksaray University, Türkiye (approval date: 18.11.2025, protocol number: 2025-490). If an opposing situation is identified, all accountability lies with the author(s), and TO&RE Journal assumes no responsibility.
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