Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment, Fikri Ataoğlu on Monday condemned efforts by the Greek Cypriot administration to hinder tourists travelling from South Cyprus to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), arguing that such actions violate fundamental principles of the European Union, such as free movement and individual freedoms.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment, Fikri Ataoğlu was specifically referring to an agreement between the Greek Cypriot administration and TUI, a major European tour operator, aimed at preventing tourists from crossing into Northern Cyprus.

He highlighted that this agreement not only negatively impacts the TRNC economically and socially but also restricts the travel freedom and rights of tourists visiting the region.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed concern over the European Union’s silence on the matter, suggesting that such inaction contradicts the EU’s own foundational principles. Ataoğlu warned that this silence could further demonstrate the EU’s biased stance on the Cyprus issue.

He argued that this policy, which deprives tourists of the opportunity to experience the entire island, cannot be justified by EU laws, tourism practices, or human values. He noted that such restrictions would exacerbate the isolation of Turkish Cypriots and hinder efforts towards finding a resolution to the ongoing Cyprus conflict.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that these measures not only limit the freedom of tourists but also contribute to the further division between the island’s two communities. He stated that placing such obstacles in the way of the tourism sector would only deepen the island’s existing issues.

Ataoğlu also addressed a statement from TUI, in which the tour operator announced that all tours to Northern Cyprus would be halted until August 31, 2024, as part of the agreement with the Greek Cypriot administration. He criticized this decision as a political move that goes against the very nature of tourism.

He concluded by urging a reconsideration of the decision, noting that it not only affects tourism but also the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

“Tourism should not be sacrificed to politics. This policy, which disregards the people who make a living from tourism, must be reversed immediately,” Ataoğlu said.