Turkey’s Association of Travel Agencies has re-elected Firuz Bağlıkaya as President after he won more than 70% of valid votes at TÜRSAB’s 26th Ordinary General Assembly in Istanbul on 22–23 November 2025. The election, held at the Istanbul WOW Hotel Convention Center, drew 4,428 participating agency representatives and confirmed Bağlıkaya for another 3-year term at the head of the country’s largest travel trade body.
The vote, which featured four candidates, is seen within the industry as a choice for continuity at a time when Türkiye’s tourism sector continues to expand and adapt to changing source markets. TÜRSAB’s membership encompasses travel agencies across the country, and the outcome signals strong backing for Bağlıkaya’s existing leadership and policies as the association prepares for its next mandate.
Strong Majority and High Turnout at 26th General Assembly
According to provisional results, Bağlıkaya’s list secured 3,053 of the 4,331 valid votes cast, giving him a clear lead over rival candidates and confirming his return to the presidency. His closest competitor, Aylin Özsavaş, received 1,184 votes, while the lists led by Muhammet Akkaya and Eyüp Kartal received 38 and 19 votes respectively. A total of 97 ballots were declared invalid.
The election followed two days of General Assembly proceedings attended by travel agency representatives from across Türkiye. Delegates gathered to review the association’s activities, discuss sector priorities and select the new management, audit and disciplinary boards that will guide TÜRSAB through the next 3-year period. The scale of participation highlighted continued engagement by member agencies in the governance of their umbrella organisation.
With the latest result, Bağlıkaya remains at the helm of TÜRSAB’s Executive Board, a position he has held in previous terms. His renewed mandate comes as Turkish tourism continues to work on extending the season, diversifying product offerings and targeting higher-value visitor segments. TÜRSAB’s leadership is expected to continue liaising with public authorities and private stakeholders on issues ranging from regulation and licensing to marketing and digitalisation.
New Management and Reserve Boards Confirmed
The General Assembly also confirmed the composition of TÜRSAB’s new Executive Board. Alongside President Bağlıkaya, the board includes members Davut Günaydın, Hasan Eker, Mert Vardar, Tülay Salihoğlu, Cevat Engin Şahin, Gürkan Özcan, Mehmet Akyıl and Abdulhamit Kuk. This group will be responsible for steering the association’s strategic agenda, representing member agencies and coordinating sector responses to policy developments and market conditions.
Reserve (substitute) members were also elected to the board to ensure continuity and coverage of responsibilities. The newly chosen reserve members are Öner Uygun, Kıvanç Meriç, Özgür Ildır Öksüz, Şebnem Ergüder, Kerem Serkan Çoban, Özgür Ersoy, Yeşim Yeşiltaç, Erhan Falay and İbrahim Değermenci. These members may be called upon to step in as needed during the board’s 3-year term.
Beyond the main executive team, the General Assembly concluded with the election of new audit and disciplinary boards, which play a role in oversight and internal governance. Together, the elected bodies form the framework that will guide TÜRSAB’s activities as the association represents thousands of travel agencies domestically and abroad.
For Türkiye’s travel industry, which has seen strong visitor numbers in recent seasons, the re-election of an incumbent president and confirmation of a new board signal a preference for stability amid a competitive global tourism environment. With the 26th Ordinary General Assembly now completed, TÜRSAB’s leadership will turn back to sector priorities, including developing new products, supporting member agencies and maintaining Türkiye’s position as a key international tourism destination.
