Assistant Professor of Hospitality & Tourism Management
Dr. Esat Saçkes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Catering at Balıkesir University’s Sındırgı Vocational School. Blending extensive academic expertise with years of corporate hospitality experience, his research and teaching primarily focus on hospitality administration, gastronomy, sustainable tourism, and digital marketing technologies.
Academic Background & Education
Dr. Saçkes completed his entire academic journey at Balıkesir University. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the Faculty of Tourism , followed by a Master’s degree (with thesis) in Tourism and Hotel Management in 2006. In 2019, he completed his PhD in Tourism and Hotel Management, focusing his doctoral thesis on the use of mobile technologies in hospitality marketing.
Leadership & Professional Experience
Dr. Saçkes began his tenure at Balıkesir University as a Lecturer in 2009, a role he held until his appointment as an Assistant Professor in late 2022. Throughout his academic career, he has undertaken vital administrative duties at Sındırgı Vocational School, serving as:
- Director of the Vocational School (2023–2024)
- Vice Director of the Vocational School (2015–2017 and 2020–2022)
- Head of Department (2015–2018)
Before transitioning fully into academia, Dr. Saçkes built a solid foundation in the private sector. He held key managerial positions in the tourism and entertainment industries, including Operations Manager at Cinemarine Cinemas, Night Manager for Sodexho at Pegasos Palace & Tropical resorts, and Front Office Manager at Laruj Thermal Hotel. This rich practical background strongly informs his academic perspective and teaching methodology.
Research, Publications & Editorial Roles
As an active researcher, Dr. Saçkes frequently leads and participates in national scientific research projects focusing on regional gastronomy, local food culture, and industrial kitchen innovations. He has published numerous articles in international refereed journals and has authored several scientific books, including:
- Applicability of Innovation in Industrial Kitchens (Livre de Lyon, 2024)
- Standard Recipe Practices in Food and Beverage Establishments (Livre de Lyon, 2023)
- International book chapters detailing the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourist behaviors and contemporary issues like “quiet tourism”.
In addition to his research, he contributes to the academic community as an editor for the Journal of Balıkesir University Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences and regularly acts as an editor/organizer for the International Applied Social Sciences Congresses (C-IASOS).