Serkan Gumrukcu

Serkan Gümrükçü is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, serving as the co-founder and CEO of Softotel & Vima Management—a firm dedicated to providing end-to-end solutions for investors and brands. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Bilkent University’s Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, and further advanced his expertise with a Master’s degree from Istanbul Medeniyet University’s Faculty of Tourism. His master’s thesis, titled “Comparison of Perceived Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction in Franchised and Non-Franchised Hotel Enterprises: A Case Study,” represents a unique and pioneering study that directly aligns with his professional focus on franchised hotel management. Additionally, he has authored numerous articles and scientific studies published in international peer-reviewed journals on topics such as sustainable tourism, responsible tourism, gastronomy, revenue management, and related fields. Throughout his career, he has played pivotal roles across a broad spectrum, from negotiating franchise agreements with global hotel chains to overseeing construction management, feasibility studies, and operational consulting.

Under the Softotel umbrella, he offers comprehensive services including architectural and electro-mechanical project management, pre-opening preparations, brand guidance, operational structuring, and direct hotel management. He also provides expert advisory on franchise and management contracts to help investors bring their projects to life in the most efficient manner.

His areas of expertise shine in hotel branding and construction management, where he brings profound knowledge to projects involving international chains—focusing on brand standardization, investment planning, and site supervision. In operations management, he adopts a holistic approach, from pre-opening strategic planning to designing sales and marketing-driven processes. On the financial front, he excels in budgeting, performance tracking, and resource management aimed at maximizing profitability while optimizing costs. In business development, he leverages his extensive industry network to analyze investment opportunities and forge sustainable partnerships. Additionally, in management consulting, he delivers strategic guidance to senior leadership in financial analysis, control, and governance.

Renowned for his international perspective, analytical mindset, and hands-on field presence, Serkan Gümrükçü speaks Turkish and English fluently, with basic proficiency in Russian and German. Softotel’s vision is to add lasting value to the sector through investor-friendly, branded, and sustainable hotel projects.