The first Tourism Research Institute of Turkey was established within the body of Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University by the decision of the Council of Ministers published in the Official Gazette dated May 25, 2018, and numbered 30431. The Tourism Research Institute started its educational activities in the 2020-2021 academic year with two doctoral programs: the Tourism Management Department and the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department, as well as three master's programs with thesis: the Tourism Management, Tourism Guidance, and Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Departments. Additionally, with the decision of the Council of Higher Education dated July 9, 2020, the Faith Tourism Department master's program with thesis was established within the Tourism Research Institute.