Mine Güneş Kaya

Mine Güneş Kaya is the Creative and Scientific Products Manager of Mies Global Consulting, Tourism, Food, Import-Export Industry, and Trade Ltd. Born in Izmir, Kaya has held numerous key roles in the tourism sector and civil society organizations, recognized as a leader in the industry. Throughout her education and career journey, she has pioneered in tourism, event management, strategic planning, sustainability, digitization, innovation, leadership, and social responsibility, contributing to numerous national and international organizations. Currently, In Mies Global she offers a wide range of consultancy services and contributes to the business world through various international projects.

Education and Academic Background:

Studied Italian Language and Literature at Ankara University, completing her education in Siena, Italy, with a scholarship from the Italian government.

Completed the Executive MBA program at Izmir University of Economics in 2019.

Received advanced training in “Global Business Structures, Sustainable Business Strategies, Alternative Investments, and Healthy Living-Wellness-Health” at Harvard Business School (2020–2021). She continues her studies at various universities in Europe, North America, and East Asia.

Professional Carrier:

With over 20 years of experience in the trade and travel industries, Mine Güneş Kaya focuses on business development, strategy, and exploring investment opportunities. She has served in prominent roles such as Tourism Director for the Izmir Chamber of Commerce, as well as private sector positions like business development director for holdings and management consultant. She is also a professional tourist guide in Italian.

Mine Güneş Kaya engages at national and international levels with numerous chambers of commerce, tourism NGOs, municipalities, ministries, and councils in Turkey and worldwide. She has held roles such as Director of the Izmir Convention and Visitor Bureau (2011–2018), Representative of the Izmir Cruise Port, Coordinator for the Chamber-Exchange-Foundation of the Izmir Tourism Promotion Foundation (2015–2018), Member of the Izmir Promotion and Development Board of the Turkish Tourism Development Agency, Member of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Tourism Coordination Board, Member of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Istanbul Tourism Platform Fair, MICE and Events Commission, Member of Skal International Promotion Committee, and Member of the Advisory Board of UNESCO’s Izmir Historical Port City Management.

Currently, Mine Güneş Kaya serves as the President of IFITT Türkiye (2021–2024), former President and International Board Member of the International Federation for Information Technologies and Travel & Tourism, Vice President responsible for Corporate Communications of MPI Türkiye and a candidate for the 2026 President Elect, as well as Secretary-General and Board Member of İzmir Skal. She plays an active role in the international tourism network.

Mine Güneş Kaya also holds the following roles: Secretary-General and Board Member of the Aegean Tourism Association, volunteer at Gamification Türkiye (Gamfed Türkiye), Member of the Türkiye Gamification Foundation (TOYED), Alternate Board Member of the Italian Culture and Friendship Association, and Member of the Community Services Committee of the İzmir Cultural Heritage Rotary Club. With her vast knowledge and experience, she continues to make valuable contributions to the sector and social responsibility projects.

Mine Güneş Kaya is married, a proud mother of a wonderful child, and a friend to two amazing creatures—a parrot and a dog.