Meet Our Team

Experienced professionals dedicated to creating unforgettable personalized travel experiences.

Koray Edemen | Keytours Vacations | Personalized Travel Experiences

KORAY EDEMEN

President & Founder

Koray Edemen, a native of Ankara, Turkey, is a seasoned travel industry expert and the founder of Keytours Vacations. He began his career as a travel director and licensed guide in Istanbul and Cappadocia while earning a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science. At 22, he launched his first company, catering to American military personnel and diplomats in Turkey. In 1993, he co-founded Keytours Vacations in the U.S., which quickly became a leading tour operator for Europe and the Mediterranean.

Over the past 26 years, Edemen has diversified his investments across transportation, hotel management, and online travel ventures. Known for his hands-on leadership, he played a key role in his company’s software development, even writing the initial code himself. Today, Edemen is a major shareholder in six travel companies and a recognized industry speaker.

Jane Martin
Jane Martin

Director of Sales

Jane has spent nearly 30 years in luxury travel, with a wide range of experience in aviation, cruise, land and event management. Her travels for both business and pleasure have taken her to nearly every country in the world, but there is always something else new to see. She is excited to bring her industry knowledge and experience to Keytours Vacations.

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Osman Akpinar
Osman Akpinar

Operations Manager

With over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, Osman has worked across various segments, including travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, and restaurants. He has a diverse market background, having served travelers from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, and Canada, and for the past six years, he has specialized in assisting American travelers with personalized itineraries to Europe, Africa, South America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Osman initially handled administrative and product-related duties, which enriched his destination expertise.

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Kevin Duden
Kevin Duden

Product Development Europe & Customer Service Manager

Kevin's passion for travel has guided him through an extensive career in the industry, spanning over two decades and encompassing visits to more than 45 countries. His journey commenced as a Tour Director, guiding groups of travelers on adventures across the globe. Progressing in his career, he assumed pivotal sales leadership positions at American Express Travel and subsequently at Abercrombie & Kent, where he led the Europe Team. Among Kevin's most treasured travel memories are his explorations across Europe, an unforgettable train journey through Russia, and immersive experiences discovering the diverse wonders of Australia and New Zealand.

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Kristina Karm-Edemen
Kristina Karm-Edemen

Quality Assurance & Product Manager (Africa & Asia)

Kristina believes every trip should feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With over 25 years in the travel industry and deep, immersive exploration of more than 50 countries, she helps travelers go beyond ordinary vacations to enjoy journeys that are seamless, meaningful, and unforgettable. At KeyTours, Kristina plays a dual role—combining creative vision as the lead for product development in Africa and Asia with technical precision in overseeing quality assurance. She designs meticulously curated itineraries that deliver cultural richness and authentic luxury. In her QA capacity, she upholds the highest standards by implementing rigorous quality assurance practices for user-centric software solutions. Her expertise lies in bridging travel product innovation with continuous system improvement, ensuring a smooth, high-quality experience for both clients and the teams who serve them. Her passion lies in curating travel experiences that leave travelers inspired, enriched, and already dreaming of their next adventure.

Deirdre Dirkman
Deirdre Dirkman

Product Development Manager

Deirdre brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the luxury travel industry to KeyTours. Her career journey spans roles from frontline wholesale agent and air services expert to global operations, product development, marketing, and executive leadership positions. This rich background enables Deirdre to design and plan exceptional KeyTours vacations, ensuring unparalleled quality and unforgettable experiences for guests. Her expertise in product development and operations contributes to the creation of the exciting tours and journeys that KeyTours is renowned for. Having traveled to more than 70 countries, Deirdre has an impressive list of must-see destinations for discerning travelers. Highlights of her travels include encounters with the Presidential Herd of elephants in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, and climbing the iconic Machu Picchu.

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Nick Nevill (2)
Nick Nevill

Digital Marketing Manager

With over 9 years of experience in digital marketing, Nick brings a strong passion for helping companies grow through thoughtful, multi-channel marketing strategies. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Nick has always had a global outlook shaped by three years spent living in India and by extensive travel across more than 30 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. Holding an MBA in Marketing, Nick now serves as the Digital Marketing Manager at Keytours Vacations, where a love for travel and expertise in digital strategy come together to inspire unforgettable journeys.

 

Tuba Karatari-1
Tuba Karatari

Individual Travel Expert

Tuba has over 15 years of experience in the travel industry, a passion for travel, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Tuba lived in London for 13 years, during which time she achieved her Master's Degree in International Business and traveled Europe and Asia extensively. Tuba guarantees that you will experience not just a holiday, but the journey of your life.

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Melody Edemen (2)
Melody Edemen

Business Development Associate

Melody likes to say she’s been traveling since the day she was born, because she truly has. Raised between cultures in the heart of Washington D.C., she developed a love for the world from a young age. She took that love to Les Roches, one of the world’s leading Hospitality and Tourism management universities and began her career in luxury hotels across both Sales and Operations. Today, she brings her business acumen, genuine enthusiasm for travel, and passion for meaningful connections to KeyTours Vacations. She especially enjoys working with travel advisors and building strong relationships that help support their success, while contributing to a team that is shaping the future of luxury tourism.

 

Brooke Henthorn (1)
Brooke Henthorn

Personalized Travel Consultant

Brooke studied International Relations at West Virginia University. While in college, she interned as a tour guide in Barcelona for 4 months. After falling in love with Spain, she relocated to Madrid after graduation. From there, Brooke has traveled throughout Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean. Brooke thoroughly enjoys discovering new cultures, considers herself a foodie, and loves assisting her clients plan their vacations.

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Thomas Mathis
Thomas Mathis

Personalized Travel Consultant

With nearly 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Thomas Mathis is a travel consultant who began his career with Kuoni Travel in Zurich. Originally from Switzerland, Thomas has traveled to over 60 countries, sharing his extensive knowledge to help clients create unforgettable, personalized vacations. His expertise spans a wide range of destinations, from Europe to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Fluent in English, French, Spanish, and German, Thomas is passionate about turning travel dreams into reality.

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Sophia Ruffo
Sophia Ruffo

Personalized Travel Consultant

Sophia, a San Francisco native, is a distinguished leader in the travel industry with a career spanning decades. With over 15 years of executive experience in leadership and management, she has excelled across all sectors of travel, including luxury vacations, corporate travel, VIP services, and pioneering innovative travel start-ups. Her deep industry expertise, strategic vision, and passion for cultural exploration have shaped her holistic understanding of the evolving needs of modern travelers. Committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences, Sophia continues to drive innovation and excellence in the industry.

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Dilesh Dias (1)
Dilesh Dias

Personalized Travel Consultant

With over 15 years in the Tourism and Hospitality industry, Dilesh has led initiatives across Destination Management, Experiential Tourism, Luxury Hotel Sales & Marketing, and Tailored Travel Curation in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. A passionate explorer and detail-driven professional, Dilesh excels in crafting unforgettable luxury experiences and building meaningful client relationships—with a signature blend of precision, warmth, and the occasional well-timed joke.When not shaping exceptional journeys, he's likely discovering hidden culinary gems or proving that travel can, in fact, count as exercise.

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Melek Kocaslan Horton melek@keytours.com-1
Melek Kocaslan Horton

Customized Groups Travel Consultant

With a remarkable 18 years of experience in the travel industry, Melek, originally from Turkey, has made Mississippi her home for the past two years. Armed with a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, she embarked on a career that led her through various roles in travel agencies. Her extensive professional journey has taken her across the globe for both business and pleasure, fostering an unwavering passion for travel. Beyond her expertise lies a deep-seated love for her work, fueled by the connections she forms with people—a testament to her genuine dedication to the industry and her innate joy in exploring the world.

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Meet Our Team
Liena Ramli

Customized Groups Travel Consultant

Liena joins Keytours Vacations with over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, with background in Tourism Management studies. She is originally from Singapore and has lived in Turkey, Germany and Japan. She has traveled to over 120 countries and counting.

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Gul Okur
Gul Okur

Groups Operations Coordinator

Gul has over 13 years of experience helping customers meet their travel needs. She started her travel career at Quintessentially. She worked as congress project manager for International Medical companies and 8 years at Costa Cruises as an operations and sales manager. She has strong problem-solving skills that allow her to deal with even the most stressful situations. Travelling is her passion.

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Nil Berke (2)
Nil Berke

Inside Sales Coordinator

Nil is a dynamic sales professional with a background in the History of Modern Art; she combines artistic insight with a deep appreciation for global cultures. Nil has spent 3 years studying modern art in Rome, lived in the United States for 6 years and has traveled extensively across Europe and Japan. She began her career in guest relations with leading Accor and IHG properties, including Six Senses and Swissôtel, where she supported high-end clientele and developed a solid foundation in service excellence. Nil later transitioned into sales at Six Senses, refining her strengths in relationship management and personalized service. Nil delivers exceptional support to travel advisors and helps elevate every guest experience.

Gulcan Durmus (2)
Gulcan Durmus

Inside Sales Coordinator

Gulcan brings 5 years of experience in the tourism sector. As an Operations & Events Manager at an international hospital in Turkey, she refined her expertise in customer service, client relations, and complex coordination. Gulcan's global perspective is shaped by living in Germany and traveling to 12 countries. Fluent in 3 languages and currently learning a 4th, Gulcan also communicates at a basic level in both Turkish and German Sign Language. Her diverse background, cultural awareness, and commitment to clear communication allow her to connect with clients from around the world and deliver exceptional service.

Esin Soydemir
Esin Soydemir

Operations Coordinator

Esin has been in the travel business since 1999. She has worked with various travel companies and started her travel career with Key Tours in 2008. Esin loves helping her customers create their ideal vacations!

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Selma Gunel
Selma Gunel

Operations Coordinator

Selma has garnered approximately 15 years of experience within the tourism industry, notably with Celestyal Cruises. Her expertise is particularly focused on European countries, where she has amassed extensive knowledge during her tenure.

Hatice Temar
HATICE TEMAR

Fulfillment Supervisor

Studied tourism administration at Bogazici University in Istanbul, graduated with honor degree. Worked in 5* hotels (Swissotel, Radisson Blu, Kempinski) for 10 years, excelled in large scale groups, meetings and congress management. Proud to be a part of a team managing largest event of Cyprus. Loves travelling and learning languages, (german, spanish, arabic) already visited Germany, Israel, Kazakystan & Iraq. Lived in Turkey, Cyprus & Qatar.

Yesim Aydin
Yesim Aydin

Operations Coordinator

Yesim holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management and brings 8 years of diverse industry experience, including roles in luxury hotels and boutique hotel management. For the past 3 years, she has been actively engaged in customer service and team leadership. Her travels to the United States, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Greece have enriched her global perspective. With a strong background in operations and management, Yesim is dedicated to delivering exceptional service with a guest-focused approach.

 

Duygu Kalelioglu 2
Duygu Kalelioglu

Digital Marketing Manager

With over 18 years of expertise in digital marketing, Duygu is a driving force behind Keytours Vacations' brand growth and online presence. Having led successful campaigns for globally renowned brands, she is an expert in crafting impactful digital strategies that boost brand awareness and customer engagement. Duygu’s vast experience spans social media marketing, Google and Meta ads, email marketing, CRM, and loyalty programs, as well as software integration, ERP databases, and e-commerce platforms. A passionate traveler with a deep love, Duygu combines her marketing acumen and global insights to deliver personalized travel experiences that inspire.

Vicki Sachs (2)
Vicki Sachs

Personalized Luxury Travel Consultant

Vicki started her travel career at Delta airlines, where she was in reservations, sales, and at the city ticket offices for 17 years. In 2006, she was lucky enough to find her second significant travel career with Keytours Vacations.

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Esin Soydemir
Esin Soydemir

Personalized Luxury Travel Consultant

Esin has been in the travel business since 1999. She has worked with various travel companies and started her travel career with Key Tours in 2008. Esin loves helping her customers create their ideal vacations!

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Tuba Karatari-1
Tuba Karatari

 Individual Travel Expert

Tuba has over 15 years of experience in the travel industry, a passion for travel, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Tuba lived in London for 13 years, during which time she achieved her Master's Degree in International Business and traveled Europe and Asia extensively. Tuba guarantees that you will experience not just a holiday, but the journey of your life.

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