Dr. Yunus Topsakal at Univesity of Massachusetts Amherst, United States
Dr. Yunus Topsakal, an Associate Professor in Tourism Management, has an extensive background in both academia and the tourism industry. He completed his Ph.D. and multiple master’s degrees, including one in Ecotourism, and currently serves as a Research Scholar at the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Topsakal’s research, widely published in high-impact SSCI, ESCI, and Scopus-indexed journals, spans diverse topics such as digital detox tourism, AI-enhanced tour guide applications, and ecotourism. His industry experience as an auditor and manager complements his academic expertise, providing a practical foundation for his research. Additionally, Dr. Topsakal contributes to the academic community as a publisher of the Journal of Tourism Intelligence and Smartness, fostering advancements in tourism and hospitality innovation. His dedication to teaching and mentorship in areas like digital transformation in tourism further solidifies his role as a leader in the field.
Publication profile
Scopus Profile
Educational Background
Dr. Yunus Topsakal holds a robust educational background in tourism and hospitality management, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree from İ.D. Bilkent University (2006-2011). He then pursued a Master’s in Tourism Management and Hospitality at Akdeniz University (2011-2013), where he completed a thesis on knowledge sharing and innovation in tourism enterprises. Following this, he earned his Doctorate in Tourism Management, also from Akdeniz University (2013-2017), with a dissertation focused on social innovation in tourism businesses in Antalya. Further broadening his expertise, he completed a second Master’s degree in Ecotourism Guidance at Necmettin Erbakan University (2020-2023). Dr. Topsakal’s most recent academic achievement includes a postdoctoral research appointment at the University of Massachusetts in Hospitality & Tourism (2023-2024), reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge in tourism through both education and research.
Teaching and Research Experience
Dr. Yunus Topsakal is an experienced educator and researcher with a strong background in tourism and hospitality. His teaching career spans several years, during which he has delivered a range of courses, from International Tourism Operations and Marketing in Tourism to Industry 4.0 and Digitalization. His expertise extends across both theoretical and practical aspects of the tourism sector, including Public Relations, World Geography, and Tourism Regulations, allowing him to provide students with comprehensive insights into the industry’s dynamics. As a researcher, Dr. Topsakal has a distinguished publication record, with articles in SSCI, ESCI, and Scopus-indexed journals covering innovative topics like digital detox tourism, AI in tourism, and ecotourism. He combines his academic expertise with practical experience gained from various industry roles, making his research both relevant and impactful. His contributions, which include the role of journal publisher, further solidify his influence on academic tourism studies, positioning him as a prominent figure in tourism research and education.
Publication Top Notes
- Article: “Usage intention of tourists regarding the acceptance of artificial intelligence enhanced tour guides apps”
- Authors: Y. Topsakal, M. Çuhadar
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 0
- Article: “The impact of nepotism on employee organisational attitudes in accommodation enterprises”
- Authors: Y. Topsakal, A. Dinç, E. Özcan
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 0
- Journal: Tourism and Management Studies, 20(1), pp. 21–34
- Article: “Ecotourism research: a bibliometric review”
- Authors: A. Dinç, M. Bahar, Y. Topsakal
- Year: 2023
- Citations: 6
- Journal: Tourism and Management Studies, 19(1), pp. 29–40
- Book Chapter: “Dark Tourism and Its Potential in Turkey”
- Authors: N. Yüzbaşıoğlu, Y. Topsakal
- Year: 2016
- Citations: 1
- Book: GeoJournal Library, 121, pp. 173–187
Conclusion
Dr. Yunus Topsakal’s extensive experience, both academic and practical, as well as his contributions to impactful research journals, make him an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work exemplifies a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical insights, and a commitment to advancing the tourism field, especially in areas of digitalization, ecotourism, and social innovation. While broadening the scope of sustainability research and expanding language accessibility could further enhance his impact, Dr. Topsakal’s achievements demonstrate high standards of academic excellence and innovation within the field of tourism.