Feyhan Kaprali: A Mastermind Leader Providing World-Class Travel Experiences Through Innovation

The travel industry plays a vital role in fostering positive experiences for travellers while contributing to the economic growth of a country. Leaders in this sector facilitate tourism, business travel, and leisure activities, driving a significant influx of visitors. One such renowned leader is Feyhan Kaprali, Managing Partner of Tekser DMC. After completing her education in the United States, Feyhan returned to Turkey, where she earned her degree in Business Administration from Boğaziçi University. Inspired by her mother, she began her career in the family business, focusing on marketing and leadership. This experience laid the groundwork for the establishment of Tekser DMC, which flourished by prioritizing customer satisfaction and building a loyal clientele.

In a personal interview with us, Feyhan shared with us her life journey and also the future of travel arrangements in Turkey.

Tell us about Tekser. As the Managing Partner, what are the primary roles and responsibilities you shoulder at Tekser?

Founded in 1979, Tekser DMC was created with the mission of providing exceptional destination management services. Today, we are a dedicated team of 50 professionals predominantly extending our expertise in three major areas, namely meetings and incentives for B2B clients, customized luxury tours across Turkey, and corporate services. Over the years, we have faced various challenges, including geopolitical and economic fluctuations, and have expanded our operations to include new destinations such as Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. Our focus on ethical standards, client loyalty, personalized service, and risk mitigation underpins our commitment to sustainability and the integration of young talent to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.

What are some key areas of expertise that you have developed over the past years in the field of hospitality?

From the beginning of my career in 1987, I have always been interested in marketing/sales, and product/ operational departments which helped me gain in-depth knowledge on the technical front. Also, as time went by, I developed and started giving importance to collaborative work culture which provided a work-life balance helping to create a bridge between family values and the corporate aspects. Leading a talented team of 50 individuals, I prioritize regular training sessions and contribute to the industry's growth. I am a strong advocate for diversity and equality, emphasizing the importance of mentoring the next generation and establishing a structured foundation for future success.

Treat everyone with respect, and stay open-minded to new diversions of thoughts & ideas

What are your current focus areas in terms of driving growth for the Tekser in the years to come?

At Tekser, we put our focus on training young talent alongside enhancing the operations by paying attention to key expertise paving the way to improve efficiency and budget reviews. One of our main focal points is providing leadership training to all our team members who undergo business-oriented requirements while we also encourage them to be proactive and creative with new ideas and products. With several challenges mentioned earlier, we are actively looking for adoptable survival strategies by embracing calmness and resilience and also keeping a keen eye on market expansion and introducing new products. Our ultimate objective is to have a more seamless, structured and sustainable firm aiming for more growth and success. We also engage with business organizations like the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) to fortify our future through strategic planning.

What is your ‘success mantra’ as a leader?

I would say to have faith in your talent and abilities because this will increase the confidence in the people you work with. Another important thing to keep is to always embrace integrity and fairness. Treat everyone with respect, and stay open-minded to new diversions of thoughts and ideas. Whether it's working with new team members, exploring novel business strategies, or adapting to shifting market trends, maintaining a mindset of adaptability and openness will lead to continued success. In essence, building trust with others, being equitable in your business practices, and fostering innovation through open engagement is key to both personal and professional growth.

How do you foresee the Turkish hospitality landscape evolving going forward? Are there any industry trends that you are betting big on shortly?

The travel industry in Turkey is vital to the country's economy, yet it also faces significant challenges. Turkey is strategically situated between Europe and Asia, leading to abundant growth. However, I believe that improved coordination among government bodies, ministries, municipalities, and private sector associations is essential to overcome regional challenges. Our industry is working diligently to enhance efficiency and address critical issues such as over-tourism and unsustainable practices, including excessive use of private transportation, not utilizing local products, or carelessness about human resources. Furthermore, emerging trends like experiential and transformative travel necessitate a unified vision across the sector, ensuring all stakeholders collaborate for a prosperous future in Turkish tourism.

Feyhan Kaprali, Managing Partner, Tekser

Feyhan Kaprali is a diligent leader who is passionate about the travel industry and has been helping clients and making it easy for them. She has been managing a team of 50 people and constantly working towards sustainability.