September 27 marks World Tourism Day.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, issued a message to mark the occasion.

In his message Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu described tourism as an important bridge that brings cultures closer to each other and strengthens understanding and friendship between people.

Ataoğlu said, “We continue our efforts with determination to ensure that our country takes its rightful place in this sector with its unique natural beauties, historical richness and hospitable people.”

He said that North Cyprus, at the heart of the Mediterranean, has been the center of many civilizations, with its natural beauties and cultural diversity.

Stating that it is a paradise that offers unforgettable experiences to its visitors, he noted that their goal is to make the best use of this potential and carry it into the future with a sustainable and qualified tourism understanding.

Referring to the projects realized for the tourism of the country, Ataoğlu said that the Tourism Master Plan studies have been initiated.

Pointing to his goal of increasing the flow of tourists from Ercan Airport in order to weaken the attempts of South Cyprus to undermine tourism, Ataoğlu noted that they plan to solve this by giving incentives to planes coming from the European regions in 2025.

Ataoğlu also pointed to the work initiated in Türkiye with the “Ada Cyprus” brand (Island Cyprus).

Emphasizing that the development of the tourism sector is extremely valuable not only economically but also in terms of protecting cultural richness and transferring it to future generations, Ataoğlu stated that they will continue to work to make Northern Cyprus a tourism brand.