PM Üstel says tourism TRNC economy’s locomotive sector
Date Added: 17 April 2025

A joint press conference was held in Girne as part of the “Ada Cyprus Tourism Summit”, organized in cooperation between the TRNC Deputy Prime Ministry and Ministry of Tourism, the Cyprus Turkish Travel Agencies Association (KITSAB), and the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB).

The event took place at Acapulco Hotel and featured speeches by Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Fikri Ataoğlu, TÜRSAB President Firuz Bağlıkaya, KITSAB President Orhan Tolun, and KITOB President Dimağ Çağıner.

Prime Minister Üstel highlighted the significant role tourism plays in the TRNC’s development, recalling how bed capacity has grown from 5,000 after 1974 to 25,000 today, with a new target of 50,000 beds. He emphasized the continued support of Türkiye throughout the Turkish Cypriot people’s decades-long struggle and noted that the summit reflects a shared determination to boost tourism in the face of political pressure and embargoes.

Üstel criticized the Greek Cypriot administration for attempting to hinder the TRNC’s tourism growth and economic development, asserting that the TRNC remains committed to peace and cooperation, while the Greek Cypriot side pursues discrediting campaigns.

Deputy Prime Minister Ataoğlu stated that the summit aims to promote North Cyprus tourism across every corner of Türkiye, and praised the efforts of all stakeholders who help represent the TRNC at international fairs.

He noted that tourism covers nearly 60% of the TRNC’s budget deficit and stressed that attracting even a fraction of Türkiye’s 85 million citizens could significantly elevate the sector.

Highlighting the diversity of tourism experiences in the TRNC—ranging from natural beauty and history to alternative tourism—he reiterated the ministry’s commitment to expanding the country’s visibility abroad despite challenges posed by the south.

TÜRSAB President Bağlıkaya called the summit the most comprehensive event yet and underlined that Cyprus should be known not just for casinos, but as a valuable family destination.

KITSAB Chair Tolun shared that the programme took over a year of preparation, with nearly 250 agents and press members brought to the island to experience lesser-known areas. KITOB President Çağıner emphasized the richness and diversity of tourism in the TRNC and thanked all stakeholders for their contributions to this growing partnership.