Thanks to new projects and promotional efforts, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is aiming to attract 2 million tourists.

The presidents of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) and the Cyprus Turkish Tourism and Travel Agencies Association (KITSAB) made important statements regarding the TRNC’s tourism goals.

The “Island Cyprus” project is progressing with the support of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), the Cyprus Turkish Tourism and Travel Agencies Association (KITSAB), and the relevant ministries of both countries.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency on the issue, TÜRSAB President Firuz Bağlıkaya stressed that tourism was the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (TRNC) biggest source of income and that the majority of tourists visiting the island came from Türkiye.

Noting that the TRNC was an important destination for Türkiye, Bağlıkaya stressed that their target for this year was 2 million tourists, adding that they were working towards this goal through the “Island Cyprus” project.

KITSAB President Orhan Tolun also stated that they aimed to create a sustainable tourism structure in TRNC, highlighting their goal to extend tourism activities across all 12 months of the year.

Stating that efforts were underway to encourage tourists to stay longer and to promote the TRNC more widely, Tolun, however, noted that aside from weekend peaks, hotel occupancy rates had not yet reached desired levels.

Pointing out that the TRNC’s hotel capacity currently stood at 26,000 beds and was increasing every year, he also expressed the need for better regulation of house and villa-type rentals.

Additionally, Tolun stated that 80% of tourists visiting the TRNC come from major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, and called on airlines to lower ticket prices to more reasonable levels.