Tolon Sökmen has a chemical engineer diploma that he never used. (He also studied construction engineering in Vienna, without a diploma), he pursued his true passion: traveling. Professional tour guide in English and German since 1964, Tolon is fluent in German, English & Swedish and speaks Spanish and Italian when needed. Tolon has served as the head of Istanbul Guiding Association (IRO) for 19 years in total – 3 years in early 70s- and between 1980-1996.
Though he established two travel agencies (not active anymore), ran various cruise line ground operations for almost two decades & was among the founders of one of the biggest tourism ventures in Turkey; he has always identified himself first as a tour guide. He has hosted thousands of guests all over Turkey, -mostly Istanbul- in 56 years and has also traveled all around the world –except most of Africa-, leading Turkish groups.