We recently had the opportunity to interview Aydin Yasayacak, CEO of LOTi, a premium vacation tour operator. With over 26 years of experience in the areas of tour operator and incoming services, Aydin is highly organized and skilled at balancing the needs of clients and the company’s benefits, reflecting his client-centric approach.
By combining cutting-edge technologies of the tourism sector, LOTi creates unique services that will amaze even the most demanding customers. In this insightful session, Aydin shares his career trajectory, triumphs of the business, his plans for taking the business forward, amb offers valuable suggestions for beginners in this field.
The Beginning
We were curious to learn more about the factors that sparked Aydin Yasayacak’s interest in venturing into this industry. So, we asked, “What initially drew you to your field, and how did your early experiences shape your approach to business?”
Aydin Yasayacak shared, “I have always been fascinated by travel and hospitality, particularly the way it continuously evolves and impacts our daily lives. My early experiences, such as destination management, hospitality organizations, and premium tour operations, taught me the importance of adaptability and persistence. These lessons have been invaluable, guiding me to maintain a flexible yet determined approach as I navigate the business landscape.”
Genesis Of The Business
To learn the origin story of Aydin’s business, we asked, “Can you tell us about the genesis of your current business and what specific need or gap you aimed to address?”
Aydin Yasayacak shared, “My current business started from recognizing a significant gap in premium travel and upscale hospitality. People needed special attention and care for their vacation experiences and existing options were either inadequate or non-existent.
With a dedicated team, we set out to fill this void, driven by a mission to experience-oriented hospitality. We aimed to not only meet this need but to exceed the expectations through innovation and dedicated service.”
Value-Driven Leadership
We further asked, “How have your values influenced the way you conduct business?”
“Integrity, respect, and commitment to excellence are foundational values that I bring to my business. These values translate into transparent communication, ethical decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to quality. By embedding these principles into our company culture, they’ve been pivotal in earning the trust and loyalty of our investors.” Aydin replied.
Trials And Triumphs
Every business faces certain inevitable challenging phases. To learn how Aydin Yasayacak overcame the same, we asked, “What has been the most challenging project or period in your career, and what did you learn from it?”
Aydin Yasayacak responded, “One of the most challenging periods was my 20s and 30s where I faced different difficulties and experiences as I was passionate to learn more. It was a test of our resilience and problem-solving capabilities. Through this experience, I learned the importance of staying composed under pressure, empowering my team, and focusing on strategic, data-driven decisions. It taught me that adversity can be an opportunity for growth and innovation.”
Transforming With Technology
Technology is a crucial element in seamless business operations. We inquired, “How do you integrate new technologies or innovative practices into your business operations?”
Aydin Yasayacak replied, “We prioritize continuous learning and staying abreast with technological advancements. This involves regular training sessions, fostering a culture of curiosity, and investing in cutting-edge tools that streamline our operations. We also encourage an environment where innovative ideas are welcomed and tested, ensuring we not only keep up with the industry standards but also set new benchmarks.”
The Art Of Adaptability
We asked, “Could you share an experience where you had to pivot your business strategy dramatically?”
“During the COVID and after it, market conditions changed drastically, and we foresee the need for premium travel and hospitality and decided to establish our brand.” He shared.
The Mentorship Effect
To understand Aydin’s perspective on the role of mentorship, we asked, “What role has mentorship played in your career, both as a mentor and a mentee?”
Aydin Yasayacak replied, “Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career. As a mentee, I’ve gained invaluable insights and guidance from seasoned professionals who shaped my strategic thinking and leadership skills. As a mentor, I strive to pass on this knowledge, fostering a culture of growth and innovation within my organization. Both roles have reinforced the importance of knowledge transfer and community in achieving collective success.”
Plans We Asked Aydin Yasayacak
Eager to learn more about the plans Aydin has set for his business, “Tell us more about your future business plans.”
“Looking ahead, we plan to expand our footprint in different source markets and innovate in luxury travel and hospitality. We are focusing on sustainable growth by embracing eco-friendly practices and integrating advanced technologies into our operations. Moreover, we aim to forge strategic partnerships that can drive further innovation and community impact.” He shared.
Message To Beginners: Key To Success
Lastly, seeking guidance for beginners, we asked, “What is one piece of advice you would give to someone starting in your industry today?”
Aydin concluded, “My advice would be to stay curious and never stop learning. The landscape of travel and hospitality is constantly changing, and the key to staying relevant is adaptability. Embrace challenges, seek mentorship, and build a strong network. Most importantly, remain true to your values and mission as they will guide you through both the highs and lows of your entrepreneurial journey.”
Follow Aydin Yasayacak on LinkedIn.
Find LOTi on LinkedIn and visit their website https://www.loti.ru/
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