ZEYNEP ÇOKAL

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep ÇOKAL is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Tourism, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University. She holds a Ph.D. in Tourism Management and has served as a Research Assistant, Lecturer, and now Associate Professor. Her academic roles include Vice President of the Department, Erasmus Coordinator, and Deputy Director of the Institute of Social Sciences.

Education: She earned her Doctorate in Tourism Management (2019), Master's in Archaeology (2015) and Tourism Management (2012), and a Bachelor's in Tourism Education (2009) from Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University and Gazı University.

Research Interests: Focus on ethical tourism, cultural heritage preservation, tour guide performance, sustainable tourism, and tourism education. Her work emphasizes the role of tour guides in shaping destination images and promoting cultural values. She also explores gender dynamics in tourism labor and the impact of occupational barriers on workforce retention.

Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles and authored/co-authored books on topics like cultural tourism in Anatolia, slow tourism, and tourism ethics. Recent studies include analysis of e-complaints in Cappadocia's balloon tourism and the pandemic's effect on tour guides.

Awards: No specific awards listed, but her contributions are reflected in active research projects and advisory roles.

Advising & Grants: Supervises four ongoing Ph.D. theses on intercultural communication in tourism, faith-based tourism motivations, and digital guidance applications. Participated in funded projects like 'The Position of Female Workforce in Cappadocia Tourism' (2018-2019).

Labs/Teams: Engaged with Tourism Research Institute, contributing to curriculum development and heritage education initiatives. Active in promoting interdisciplinary studies in religious tourism and slow city movements.>