From Idea to Investment: The Journey of Basil
On April 2nd, 2026, Department of Tourism and Hotel Management, jointly with Tourism Club, hosted an inspiring seminar titled “From Idea to Investment: Journey of Basil.” The event welcomed Zafer Elcik, founder of Basil Restaurant, and Zeynep Köksal Yaykıran (THM ’02), investor at Basil Restaurant, as guest speakers.
During the seminar, speakers shared their professional experiences with attendees, focusing on key themes such as innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability within the hospitality industry. Drawing from their own journey of establishing and developing Basil Restaurant, they provided valuable insights into the transformation of an idea into a successful investment.
The seminar attracted strong interest not only from Tourism and Hotel Management students but also from students across various departments, creating a dynamic, interactive and engaging atmosphere.
At the end of the event, THM Acting Chair Jamel Ben Chafra, presented certificates of appreciation to distinguished speakers in recognition of their valuable contributions.
