For Arda, a TUI KIDS CLUB host, working with children has never felt like “just a job.” It’s a passion that began long before he officially joined TUI BLUE in 2023. His journey was shaped by years of experience working with children - most notably as a drama teacher for nearly a decade -where creativity, imagination, and genuine connection were part of everyday life. Those experiences naturally led him to the Kids Club world, making his start at TUI BLUE feel less like a beginning and more like a continuation.
“Connecting with children and entering their world has always been something very special for me,” Arda says. Children’s honesty, energy, and creativity continue to inspire him, while also fueling his own. For him, the Kids Club is not just a workplace, but a space of constant learning and growth.
Working with children holds a deep personal meaning for Arda. He believes every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. He brings this philosophy to life in simple but powerful ways: remembering names, noticing small details, listening carefully, and sometimes just sharing a joke or a smile. “Even the smallest gesture can make a big difference,” he explains.
Moments that show what truly matters
Over the years, Arda has experienced many unforgettable moments. One of the most touching was during a show announcement, when a girl with Down syndrome became emotional because she wanted to reach him. When she finally made it onto the stage, all she wanted was a hug. After embracing him, she calmly returned to her family. “It was incredibly powerful and emotional,” Arda recalls.
The impact of these connections is also visible through the eyes of colleagues. During her first month in Turkey, Marta, a team leader, visited TUI BLUE Palm Garden to support the team at the start of the season. That morning, a young girl handed Arda a small drawing, explaining that it was for him because he was “special” to her. Later the same day, the girl confidently told Marta, “You don’t need to check anything here. I come every year - I’ve been three times - and I’m happy because Arda is here every year.” It was a simple but powerful reminder that it’s the people who make the biggest difference.
Growing through connection and trust
When he looks back at his early experiences, it’s the emotional moments that stand out most: the first bonds of trust, the laughter, and especially seeing shy children slowly open up. Watching a child gain confidence, feel comfortable, and leave with a smile remains one of his greatest joys. He has also witnessed many transformations: shy children finding confidence, forming friendships, and children with physical challenges bravely joining activities with determination and joy.
Since joining TUI BLUE, Arda feels he has grown both personally and professionally. His patience, empathy, and communication skills have strengthened, and being part of the brand’s 10th anniversary is a moment of pride for him. He has also seen the Kids Club itself evolve by becoming more creative, interactive, modern and always adapting to changing children’s interests while maintaining what matters most: genuine care.
What still excites him most is that every child is a unique world. Even without sharing the same language, children recognise kindness and sincerity. For Arda, every day brings a new story. After 10 years of TUI BLUE, stories like these show exactly why the human connection lies at the heart of everything we do.
Looking ahead, Arda hopes children remember him as more than an entertainer. “I hope I’m a beautiful part of their childhood memories,” he says. If one day they smile and say, “We used to do this with Arda,” that would mean everything to him.
