The Cyprus Turkish Hoteliers Association (KITOB) convened its 35th General Assembly in Girne, where Dimağ Çağıner was re-elected as Association President.

In his address, Çağıner criticized the government for undermining the sector with populist policies despite the Economic Organizations’ proposals for solutions.

He also called for urgent public, energy, and tax reforms, and stressed that political efforts should focus on practical actions, not debates.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment, Fikri Ataoğlu, echoed the sentiment, sharing that the TRNC is pressing for inclusion in Türkiye’s domestic flight pricing system to lower airfare costs for travellers.

Speaking at the General Assembly, KITOB President Çağıner highlighted the aim of the association was to complete ongoing projects, but voiced concern over the sector’s lack of competitiveness due to rising costs.

He stressed that transportation and energy costs must decrease to enable the tourism industry to thrive.

Orhan Tolun, President of the Cyprus Turkish Travel Agencies Association, criticized the rapid growth of the construction sector, which he argued now overshadows tourism as the leading industry.

Rising costs in both construction and travel, he noted, have significantly hindered competitiveness.

Girne Mayor Murat Şenkul called for strong measures to address economic instability, suggesting that current financial challenges echo those seen in 2006, when a temporary boost from the construction industry was spent on short-term fixes.

Additionally, KITOB founder Aziz Kent highlighted the industry’s resilience, encouraging continued cooperation within the sector to overcome difficulties.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu underscored the importance of lowering energy costs for hotels, noting ongoing efforts with KITOB to implement solar energy solutions.

He also announced that legislation to curb illegal tourist rentals, which lead to tax losses, is near completion.

The event concluded with presentations addressing ongoing challenges in tourism and strategies for navigating the sector’s competitive landscape.