On Thursday, June 27, Net Holding celebrated its 50th anniversary with a grand event at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus Istanbul, bringing together business leaders and professionals from the tourism industry and various other sectors.
A Legacy Rooted in Tourism
Besim Tibuk, the founder of Net Holding, laid the foundation for the company in 1964 by sending a letter to approximately 100 interpreter guides who had graduated from Turkey’s first tourism guidance course, of which he was also an alumnus. Speaking at the event, Tibuk, joined by some of his colleagues from that era, delivered an emotional speech:
“We’ve experienced 50 years full of ups and downs, excitement, and beauty. The result? Health and friendship. So take care of your health and keep your friends close, because we’ve already started planning for our 100th anniversary.”
Acknowledging a Remarkable Journey
The evening opened with a speech from Hande Tibuk, Net Holding’s Member of the Board of Executives. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and the role of leadership in achieving success:
“Every achievement is the result of effective teamwork, but every team needs a leader. Our leader, Besim Tibuk, values people, encourages all ideas and suggestions, and inspires us with his energy and vision. He is the true hero of our 50-year story.”
Hande Tibuk also thanked the thousands of employees, shareholders, partners, and millions of guests who contributed to Net Holding’s journey:
“The biggest thanks go to my father for giving us the opportunity to play a part in this story. This 50-year history has much to teach us, and our story continues. I hope we’ll have the chance to tell its second half in another 50 years.”
The event, which brought together former and current executives and employees, also attracted significant attention from industry leaders, professionals, NGO representatives, and members of the press.
Honoring Pioneers of Turkish Tourism
During the gala, plaques were presented to Besim Tibuk, Tolon Sökmen, and Öznur Çilingiroğlu, who are among Turkey’s first licensed tourist guides. Additional honors were given to Aliye Sim Özer, the first female guide to lead a tour in Eastern Anatolia, and Cengiz Alatlı, Turkey’s longest-serving guide with 66 years of experience.
The evening featured a family photo around the 50th-anniversary cake, followed by a performance by Funda Arar, offering guests an unforgettable night with the breeze of the Bosphorus. The event also included the launch of the book “Net Holding: 50 Years”, written by researcher and author Fatih Vural, which was presented as a gift to attendees.
A Trailblazer in Tourism
In 1974, Besim Tibuk founded Net Tourism Inc., reaching out to 100 interpreter guides with a call to invest 500 lira each. His goal was not only to address the lack of institutionalized organizations in Turkish tourism but also to lay the groundwork for ventures across different sectors, showcasing remarkable foresight.
Net Tourism Inc. became one of the first examples of publicly held enterprises in Turkey, paving the way for transparency and institutionalization in the industry. Its innovative approach quickly led to success, starting with its first retail store in Istanbul’s historic Nuruosmaniye district, offering tourists high-quality and reliable shopping experiences under a corporate structure. This initiative elevated Turkey’s image globally.
Expansion into New Horizons
Following the success of its early ventures, Net Tourism expanded into other tourism sectors, including hotels, casinos, limousine services, duty-free operations, and real estate development. These expansions culminated in the establishment of Net Holding Inc. on January 20, 1981, with a capital of 60 million TL.
A Global Presence Today
Today, Net Holding operates 10 hotels and 11 casinos under the Merit brand in Northern Cyprus, Montenegro, Croatia, and Bulgaria. These include:
- Northern Cyprus: Merit Royal Hotel & Casino, Merit Royal Premium Hotel, Merit Royal Diamond Hotel, Merit Crystal Cove Hotel & Casino, Merit Royal Gardens Hotel & Casino, Merit Park Hotel & Casino, Merit Nicosia Hotel & Casino, Merit Liman Hotel & Casino.
- Montenegro: Merit Starlit Hotel, Residence & Casino, Merit Royal Splendid Casino, Merit Podgorica Casino.
- Croatia: Merit Libertas Casino.
- Bulgaria: Merit Grand Mosta Hotel & Casino.
In addition, Inter Limousine, founded in 1983, continues to provide limousine services in Istanbul, Bodrum, and Antalya, while Net Publishing, established in 1982, has shifted its focus to children’s books under the Net Çocuk brand and special publications under Net Kitap.
Net Holding’s 50th-anniversary gala celebrated a remarkable legacy of innovation and growth, setting the stage for a future of continued success in both tourism and beyond.
