A Turkish tourism leader has been elected to head the global association dedicated to incentive travel, marking a milestone for Turkey’s meetings and events industry.
Hasan Dinç has been named Global President of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) for the 2026–2027 term.
Dinç, who has represented Turkey in the international incentive travel and congress tourism segment for many years and served two consecutive terms as President of the SITE Türkiye Chapter, becomes the first Turkish professional to lead the organization globally.
Founded in the United States in 1973, the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) is the only international association dedicated exclusively to incentive travel. SITE is a professional association of 3,600+ members located in 90 countries, working in corporations, agencies, airlines, cruise companies, and across the entire destination supply chain. The organization brings together tourism professionals, event planners and corporate leaders involved in reward travel programs, meetings and global incentive events.
Dinç’s election is seen as an important moment for Turkey’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector, widely known as the MICE industry. His leadership is expected to strengthen Turkey’s visibility and influence in the global incentive travel market.
At the national level, the SITE Türkiye Chapter has also announced a leadership transition. Feyhan Kapralı, Founder of Tekser, has taken over as the new President of the chapter.
Following the start of her term, Kapralı and members of the SITE Türkiye board visited Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey, where they signed the Anıtkabir Special Book.
In the message written during the visit, Kapralı stated: “Dear Atatürk, we stand before you with deep respect and gratitude as the founder of our Republic and our greatest guide. We are tourism professionals who carry our country’s cultural heritage, history and hospitality to every corner of the world. While representing Türkiye on international platforms, we take guidance from your goal of reaching contemporary civilization, the leadership of science and reason, and your principle of ‘Peace at home, peace in the world.’
“We carry the responsibility of bringing different nations together on the same land, building bridges between cultures and presenting our country in the most accurate way. We consider it our duty to represent the values of our Republic with honesty, diligence and love for our homeland.
“We once again express our commitment to the Republic entrusted to us and declare before you that we will continue with determination to uphold your principles and reforms while representing our country in the strongest way possible. With respect, love and endless gratitude, SITE Türkiye.”
Under the new leadership, SITE Türkiye plans to form a board largely composed of young leaders from the tourism industry. The organization also aims to continue education initiatives and social responsibility projects designed to support young tourism professionals.
