Muhammet Kesgin Headshot

Muhammet Kesgin

Associate Professor

Department of International Hospitality and Service Innovation
Saunders College of Business

Office Hours
Tuesday/Thursday 3:30pm-4:30pm
Office Location
Office Mailing Address
EAS 4272 14 Lomb Memorial Dr Rochester, NY

Muhammet Kesgin

Associate Professor

Department of International Hospitality and Service Innovation
Saunders College of Business

Education

BSc, MSc, Akdeniz University (Turkey); Ph.D., Coventry University (United Kingdom)

Bio

Dr. Muhammet Kesgin is an Associate Professor in Hospitality and Tourism Management in the Saunders College Business at RIT. His research primarily examines destination marketing and tourist behavior, with a special emphasis on attractions, customer experience design and customer engagement. Kesgin holds Undergraduate and Masters degrees from Akdeniz University, Turkey and a Doctorate degree from Coventry University (UK). He currently serves on the Editorial Board of Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, and his research is available in a range of leading international publications, including: International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Information & Management, Current Issues in Tourism, the Service Industries Journal, Journal of Destination Marketing and Management, Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management.

Select Scholarship

Invited Keynote/Presentation
Kesgin, M., Hsieh, J., Albalushi, A., Taheri, B., & Gannon, M. (2023). The Impact of Values and Social Interaction on Tourists' Souvenir Gift-Giving Intention. The 4th Conference on Managing Tourism Across Continents – Tourism for a better World (MTCON'23).
Kesgin, M., (2022). Current Issues in Family Tourism Market. The 4th Conference on Managing Tourism Across Continents – Tourism for a better World (MTCON'22).
Ding, L., Legg, M., Kesgin, M., & Dincer, H. (2022). Consumer adoption of green and digital transitions in off-premises food service restaurant. EuroCHRIE Conference.
Kesgin, M., Legg, M., Ding, L., & Dincer, H. (2022). Consumer adoption of green and digital transitions in off-premises food service restaurant. ICHRIE Summer Conference.
Legg, M., Kesgin, M., Ding, L., & Dincer, H. (2022). Consumer adoption of green and digital transitions in off-premises food service restaurant. APacCHRIE Conference.
Ozgurel, G., Kesgin, M., & Avcikurt, C. (2022). Brand personality of Balikesir province as a destination: Analysis of Wikipedia contents. The 3rd Conference on Managing Tourism Across Continents – Tourism for a better World (MTCON'22).
Kesgin, M., (2021). Family Vacations: Effective Customer Journey Design. 3rd International Family, Youth and Child Friendly Tourism Management Congress.
Kesgin, M., (2020). Academic Mentorship and Academic Writing. Bulent Ecevit University in Zonguldak Turkey.
KESGIN, M., (2020). Ecotourism Development in the Western Black Sea Region Turkey. Ecotourism and Sustainability by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES).
Zerban, A., Hsieh, J., & Kesgin, M. (2019). Impact of Perceived Leadership Styles on Hotel Employees' Job Engagement. ICHRIE 2019.
Murthy, R., & Kesgin, M. (2019). An Affordances Approach to Social Media Engagement. International Hospitality Information Technology Association(iHITA) Annual Conference 2019.
Kesgin, M., Decker, J., & Wehle, B. (2019). The RIT-Genesee Country Village & Museum Partnership. meRIT Webinar.
Zarban, A., Hsieh, J., & Kesgin, M. (2018). Impact of Perceived Leadership Styles on Hotel Employee Job Engagement.. 23rd Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism.
Kesgin, M., & Pohland, L. (2018). Do Tourists Change Their International Travel Plans in Times of Terror?. Travel and Tourism Research Association International Conference 2018.
Kesgin, M., Hsieh, J., & Alqusayer, A. (2018). What Drives Migrant Employee's Job Engagement? A Case of Hotel Employees in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.. ICHRIE 2018.
Murthy, R., & Kesgin, M. (2018). Online consumer engagement: The role of social currency in reviews. Society for Marketing Advances.
Dobie, S., Schneider, J., Kesgin, M., & Lagiewski, R. (2018). Critical Hospitality: Metrics as a Path to Resort Resilience. International Symposium on Sustainable s and Technology. System.
Pohland, L., Kesgin, M., & Lagiewski, R. (2018). Safety and Security Concerns of Tourists: Aftermath of Terrorist Attacks in Turkey. 23rd Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism.
Kesgin, M., & Pohland, L. (2017). Terrorism risk perceptions and international travel intentions. RIT 2017 Honors Research and Creativity Symposium.
Kesgin, M., & Pohland, L. (2017). Student Engagement" Developing Future Finance and Technology Leaders.. HFTP 65th Annual Convention. Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals.
Khaled, A., Hancer, M., & Kesgin, M. (2017). Guest Waiting Experience at Hotels: Evidence from Saudia Arabia. 21st Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism.
Pohland, L., & Kesgin, M. (2017). Value-Based Pricing Analysis in the Hotel Market. 22nd Annual Graduate Education & Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism.
Kesgin, M., (2016). A Nice Place to Live is a Nice Place to Visit: Marketing to Destination Ambassadors.. Oral presentation at the Visitor Industry Council (Visit Rochester) Meeting, June 21, 2016.
Aljahdali, M., & Kesgin, M. (2016). Online Reviews and Visitor Attractions: The Case of George Eastman Museum.. 21st Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism.
Alqusayer, A., Kesgin, M., & Hsieh, J. (2016). An Analysis of Job Satisfaction and Motivational Factors among Hotel Employees in Riyadh, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 21st Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism.
Kesgin, M., (2014). Comparing effects of demographic and trip characteristics on holiday choice: Evidence from Alanya, Turkey. 3rd Interdisciplinary Tourism Research Conference 3-7 June 2014, Istanbul, Turkey.
Kesgin, M., (2013). Do they all seek 'fun in the sun'? An analysis of British tourists' holiday activities visiting Alanya, Turkey.. 2nd World Research Summit for Tourism and Hospitality: Crossing the Bridge.
Kesgin, M., & Cevirgen, A. (2013). Perceptual and epistemic curiosity: Tourists' cultural motivations and experiences visiting a coastal resort area. 6th International Conference on Services Management, June 23-25, 2013, The Acapulco Holiday Resort, Cyprus.
Kesgin, M., (2013). Critical incidents and memorable impressions: Holidaymakers' evaluative images of a sunshine holiday destination. 6th International Conference on Services Management, June 23-25, 2013, The Acapulco Holiday Resort, Cyprus.
Kesgin, M., (2011). British Tourists' Holiday Experiences in Alanya, Turkey: A Mixed Methods Research. The Academy of Marketing Conference 2011: Marketing Field Forever, Academy of Marketing, Liverpool, UK..
Kesgin, M., Cevirgen, A., & Kaya, I. (2008). The Effects of Service Quality Perceptions on Visitor Satisfaction: An Empirical Study in Alanya Castle. International Tourism Conference 2008 "Cultural and Event Tourism: Issues & Debates Novermber 5-9, 2008, Alanya, Antalya, Turkey.
Ehtiyar, R., & Kesgin, M. (2006). Outsourcing Tendencies in Five Star Hotels: A Comparative Study of Management Perceptions of Antalya & Canary Island. Turk-Kazakh International Tourism Conference November 20-26, 2006, Alanya, Antalya, Turkey..
Published Conference Proceedings
Kesgin, M., Hsieh, J., Albalushi, A., Taheri, B., & Gannon, M. (2023). The Impact of Values and Social Interaction on Tourists' Souvenir Gift-Giving Intention. The 4th Conference on Managing Tourism Across Continents – Tourism for a better World (MTCON'23).
Ozgurel, G., Kesgin, M., & Avcikurt, C. (2022). Brand personality of Balikesir province as a destination: Analysis of Wikipedia contents. The 3rd Conference on Managing Tourism Across Continents – Tourism for a better World (MTCON'22).
Murthy, R., & Kesgin, M. (2019). An Affordances Approach to Social Media Engagement. International Hospitality Information Technology Association(iHITA) Annual Conference 2019.
Zerban, A., Hsieh, J., & Kesgin, M. (2019). Impact of Perceived Leadership Styles on Hotel Employees' Job Engagement. ICHRIE 2019.
Kesgin, M., Hsieh, J., & Alqusayer, A. (2018). What Drives Migrant Employee's Job Engagement? A Case of Hotel Employees in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ICHRIE 2018.
Murthy, R., (2018). Online consumer engagement: The role of social currency in reviews. Society for Marketing Advances.
Kesgin, M., & Pohland, L. (2018). Do Tourists Change Their International Travel Plans in Times of Terror?. Travel and Tourism Research Association International Conference 2018.
Zarban, A., Hsieh, J., & Kesgin, M. (2018). Impact of Perceived Leadership Styles on Hotel Employee Job Engagement. 23rd Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism.
Kesgin, M., & Pohland, L. (2018). Safety and Security Concerns of Tourists: Aftermath of Terrorist Attacks in Turkey. 23rd Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism.
Dobie, S., Schneider, J., Kesgin, M., & Lagiewski, R. (2018). Critical Hospitality: Metrics as a Path to Resort Resilience. International Symposium on Sustainable s and Technology. System.
Khaled, A., Kesgin, M., & Hancer, M. (2017). Guest Waiting Experience at Hotels: Evidence from Saudia Arabia. 21st Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism.
Pohland, L., & Kesgin, M. (2017). Value-based Pricing Analysis in the Hotel Market. 22nd Annual Graduate Education & Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism.
Kesgin, M., & Pohland, L. (2017). Terrorism risk perceptions and international travel intentions. RIT 2017 Honors Research and Creativity Symposium.
Kesgin, M., (2017). Forming Partnerships with Students and Student Chapters. Chapter Leadership Webinar (WEB051117).
Kesgin, M., & Pohland, L. (2017). Student Engagement – Developing Future Finance and Technology Leaders. HFTP 65th Annual Convention. Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals.
Kesgin, M., & Aljahdali, M. (2016). Online Reviews and Visitor Attractions: The Case of George Eastman Museum.. 21st Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism.
Alqusayer, A., Kesgin, M., & Hsieh, J. (2016). An Analysis of Job Satisfaction and Motivational Factors among Hotel Employees in Riyadh, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 21st Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism.
Kesgin, M., (2014). Comparing effects of demographic and trip characteristics on holiday choice: Evidence from Alanya, Turkey. 3rd Interdisciplinary Tourism Research Conference 3-7 June 2014, Istanbul, Turkey.
Kesgin, M., (2013). Do they all seek 'fun in the sun'? An analysis of British tourists' holiday activities visiting Alanya, Turkey.. 2nd World Research Summit for Tourism and Hospitality: Crossing the Bridge.
Kesgin, M., & Cevirgen, A. (2013). Perceptual and epistemic curiosity: Tourists' cultural motivations and experiences visiting a coastal resort area. 6th International Conference on Services Management, June 23-25, 2013, The Acapulco Holiday Resort, Cyprus.
Kesgin, M., (2013). Critical incidents and memorable impressions: Holidaymakers' evaluative images of a sunshine holiday destination. 6th International Conference on Services Management, June 23-25, 2013, The Acapulco Holiday Resort, Cyprus.
Kesgin, M., (2011). British Tourists' Holiday Experiences in Alanya, Turkey: A Mixed Methods Research. The Academy of Marketing Conference 2011: Marketing Field Forever, Academy of Marketing, Liverpool, UK..
Kesgin, M., Cevirgen, A., & Kaya, I. (2008). The Effects of Service Quality Perceptions on Visitor Satisfaction: An Empirical Study in Alanya Castle. International Tourism Conference 2008 "Cultural and Event Tourism: Issues & Debates Novermber 5-9, 2008, Alanya, Antalya, Turkey.
Kesgin, M., & Ehtiyar, R. (2006). Outsourcing Tendencies in Five Star Hotels: A Comparative Study of Management Perceptions of Antalya & Canary Island. Turk-Kazakh International Tourism Conference November 20-26, 2006, Alanya, Antalya, Turkey..
Invited Article/Publication
Kesgin, M., Onal, I., Kazkondu, I., & Uysal, M. (2022). Gastro-tourism well-being: the interplays of salient and enduring determinants. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 34. 3253-3277.
Kesgin, M., Can, A., Gursoy, D., Ekinci, Y., & Aldawodi, K. (2022). Effects of religiosity and travel desire on COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Current Issues in Tourism. 25. 3888-3904.
Yousaf, A., Mishra, A., Taheri, B., & Kesgin, M. (2021). A cross-country analysis of the determinants of customer recommendation intentions for over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Information & Management. 58. 103543.
Kesgin, M., Murthy, R., & Lagiewski, R. (2021). Profiling food festivals by type, name and descriptive content: a population level study. British Food Journal. 124. 530-549.
Kesgin, M., Taheri, B., Murthy, R., Decker, J., & Gannon, M. (2021). Making Memories: A Consumer-Based Model of Authenticity Applied to Living History Sites. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 33. 3610-3635.
Taheri, B., Gannon, M., & Kesgin, M. (2020). Visitors' perceived trust in sincere, authentic, and memorable heritage experiences. Service Industries Journal. 40. 705-725.
Kesgin, M., Hsieh, J., & Alqusayer, A. (2020). What motivates and satisfies lodging employees in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?. Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality & Tourism. 19. 388-415.
Kesgin, M., & Murthy, R. (2019). Consumer engagement: the role of social currency in online reviews. Service Industries Journal. 39. 609-636.
Kesgin, M., Murthy, R., & Pohland, L. (2019). Residents as destination advocates: the role of attraction familiarity on destination image. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights. 2. 55-74.
Dobie, S., Schneider, J., Kesgin, M., & Lagiewski, R. (2018). Hotels as Critical Hubs for Destination Disaster Resilience: An Analysis of Hotel Corporations' CSR Activities Supporting Disaster Relief and Resilience. Infrastructures. 3. 46-65.
Pohland, L., & Kesgin, M. (2018). Pricing determinants in hotels: The case of luxury, upscale, and mid-scale price segments. Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management. 17. 218–230.
Lagiewski, R., & Kesgin, M. (2017). Designing and implementing digital visitor experiences in New York State: The case of the Finger Lakes Interactive Play (FLIP) project. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management. 6. 118-126.
Çevirgen, A., & Kesgin, M. (2007). Local authorities' and NGOs' perceptions of tourism development and urbanization in Alanya. Tourism : An International Interdisciplinary Journal. 55. 309-322.
Full Length Book
(2022). Handbook of Tourism and Quality-of-Life Research II: Enhancing the Lives of Tourists and Residents of Host Communities. Kesgin, M.,
(2022). Ebsco Research Pathways. Kesgin, M.,
(2016). Enhancing Customer Experience in the Service Industry: A Global Perspective. Kesgin, M., & Çevirgen, A.
(2016). Tourist Behaviour: An International Perspective. Kesgin, M.,
(2016). Travel & Tourism for the Curious High School & College Students: Why Study Travel & Tourism Management?. Kesgin, M., & Whitlock, C.
(2012). Contemporary Tourist Experience: Concepts and Consequences. Kesgin, M., Bakir, A., & Wickens, E.
(2008). Proceedings Book of the International Tourism Conference 2008 "Cultural and Event Tourism: Issues & Debates. Aktas, A., Wickens, E., Kesgin, M., Cemgiz, E., & Yenialp, E.
(2006). Proceeding Book of the Turk-Kazakh International Tourism Conference 2006 : 20-26 November 2006, Alanya, Turkey : new perspectives and values in world tourism & tourism management in the future. Aktas, A., Kesgin, M., Cengiz, E., & Yenialp, E.
Book Chapter
(2022). Experiencing wellbeing and life satisfaction through gastronomy tourism. Handbook of Tourism and Quality-of-Life Research II: Enhancing the Lives of Tourists and Residents of Host Communities. Kesgin, M.,
(2022). Experience design in the visitor industry: the interplay of engagement and memorability. Ebsco Research Pathways. Kesgin, M.,
(2016). Perceptual or Epistemic Curiosity: Cultural Motivations and Experiences of Visitors to Alanya Castle. Enhancing Customer Experience in the Service Industry: A Global Perspective. 224-253. Kesgin, M., & Çevirgen, A.
(2016). Effects of Personal and Trip Characteristics on Holiday Choice. Tourist Behaviour: An International Perspective. 84-96. Kesgin, M.,
(2016). Travel and Tourism Education: Choosing an Innovative, Creative, and Successful Career in a Global Society. Travel & Tourism for the Curious High School & College Students: Why Study Travel & Tourism Management?. Kesgin, M., & Whitlock, C.
(2012). Being away or being there? British tourists' motivations holidaying in Alanya, Turkey. Contemporary Tourist Experience: Concepts and Consequences. 113-129. Kesgin, M., Bakir, A., & Wickens, E.
(2008). . Proceedings Book of the International Tourism Conference 2008 "Cultural and Event Tourism: Issues & Debates. Aktas, A., Wickens, E., Kesgin, M., Cemgiz, E., & Yenialp, E.
(2006). . Proceeding Book of the Turk-Kazakh International Tourism Conference 2006 : 20-26 November 2006, Alanya, Turkey : new perspectives and values in world tourism & tourism management in the future. Introduction and Editorial.. Aktas, A., Kesgin, M., Cengiz, E., & Yenialp, E.

Currently Teaching

HSPT-335
3 Credits
This course will provide the student with the knowledge needed for the effective management of food service operations. Students will identify trends in the food and beverage industry, learn food and beverage management principles and understand how providing exceptional guest service can maximize profits in the hospitality industry. Topics will include food and beverage purchasing, inventory, costing, service styles, financial controls, menu design, sanitation, safety, ethics, food service automation, hardware and software, legal concerns, equipment selection, and service innovations in the design and layout of food establishments.
HSPT-350
3 Credits
The meeting and event planner of today must know how to plan, execute, and evaluate any event to show value to the stakeholders. Meetings today help us celebrate meaningful events, change the way people behave, motivate employees to perform better, and solve problems by bringing together ideas from many different cultures. This course is designed to provide an introduction to the principles and concepts required for the management and execution of a successful event. Essential topics will include event planning, coordination, sponsorship, budgeting, programming, marketing, communications, vender management, volunteer management, risk management, event research, and event evaluation.
HSPT-375
3 Credits
The overall objectives of this course are twofold. This course first examines the development, management, and improvement of service delivery systems used by service organizations (i.e., hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and health care) on the supply side through the lens of quality management. Secondly, the course examines customer requirements on the demand side by focusing upon how customer experience design shapes customers’ thoughts, actions, and decision processes. Students will learn techniques used for diagnosis, measurement, and continuous improvement of successful customer experience. There are three major sections in this course. Section 1 focuses on understanding the paradigm of customer experience, identifying the drivers of customer satisfaction, formulating strategies to optimize the customer experience, and managing service operations through the development of a service blueprint. Section 2 focuses on the role of exponential technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, augmented reality, virtual reality, and data analytics, in creating exceptional customer experiences. Section 3 discusses the creation of exceptional luxury customer experiences, incorporating technology, and describing how brands go beyond traditional branding frameworks to create luxury experiences.
HSPT-730
3 Credits
Creating memorable experience is a crucial differentiator for hospitality and tourism enterprises. Guided by the concepts of “hospitality” and “being hospitable”, this course introduces theories and methods that can be utilized during the service encounter to trigger optimal customer experiences through physical, social, and cultural interactions. This course addresses the co-creation of the experiences and value not only from hospitality and tourism service providers but also from the engagement of customers. The course puts an emphasis on the design of the customer journey, including theming, storytelling, and sensory, as well as unfolding customer experience in the phygital (physical and online) platform.
HSPT-735
3 Credits
Creating memorable experience is a crucial differentiator for hospitality and tourism enterprises. Guided by the concepts of “hospitality” and “being hospitable”, this course introduces theories and methods that can be utilized during the service encounter to trigger optimal customer experiences through physical, social, and cultural interactions. This course addresses the co-creation of the experiences and value not only from hospitality and tourism service providers but also from the engagement of customers. The course puts an emphasis on the design of the customer journey, including theming, storytelling, and sensory, as well as unfolding customer experience in the phygital (physical and online) platform.
HSPT-755
3 Credits
This course provides students the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to be successful managers and operators of food and beverage (F&B) establishments. Students will learn different operating structures, merchandising, market identification, menu engineering, the importance of managing the supply chain and logistics, managing human resources, and financial analysis of F&B operations. Students will learn about multi-unit operations, independent, and hotel restaurant operations. This course will prepare students for operational and corporate roles in F&B operations.
HSPT-767
3 Credits
This class provides the student an opportunity to explore the function of a convention from the point of view of the convention center manager. Consideration is given to various methods used to sell a location to an event planner and the servicing of large groups. Students also examine the various ways to evaluate floor and meeting space as to profitability and quality related to the goals and objectives of the client. Various forms of business are ranked and the ability of one convention to enhance a second are considered in the decision making process. Finally codes, regulations, and licensing considerations are explored.
HSPT-791
0 Credits
Continuation of Project
HSPT-797
3 Credits
This course is practical, project-based approach to a more traditional master's thesis. Students in the course will design and develop a project which reflects a viable option for an existing or putative organization. After a review of essential project management and planning skills as well as financial skills, the student designs and develops the project with continual review and feedback from the supervising faculty.
MGIS-130
3 Credits
To be successful in our globally-networked business environment, contemporary management professionals must have a strong grounding in the principles of information and information technology. This course provides an introduction to the field of management information systems (MIS), including the tools and techniques for managing information and information technologies within organizations. We place a particular emphasis on the nature of systems, the role of information in business processes, the management of data, and the planning of MIS design projects.
MKTG-230
3 Credits
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