A commentary published in the Turkish Cypriot newspaper Diyalog has identified transport as the key obstacle to the growth of tourism in North Cyprus, describing sharp fluctuations in airfares as an economic barrier to the sector. The piece called for a long-term tourism policy developed in cooperation with Turkey and for a comprehensive Tourism Workshop bringing together all stakeholders.
The column noted that a ticket bought at a reasonable price on a Wednesday can cost up to four times as much on a Friday. It argued that a country already struggling with what it called unjust isolation should not also have to bear high transport costs, adding that bringing airfares down to reasonable levels would make it possible to extend tourism across all twelve months.
According to the piece, a significant share of hotels fail to reach desired occupancy in winter, a slowdown that also affects restaurants, shops, supermarkets and many other tourism-related businesses. It also said casinos make a serious contribution to the economy and that hotels and related businesses offer world-class service standards.
The column highlighted the island's climate and safe living conditions, recalling that a system similar to Britain's Neighbourhood Watch has been introduced under the leadership of Police Director General Ali Adalıer, with neighbours reporting suspicious situations to the security forces.
Looking back, the writer recalled that tourism once relied mainly on visitors from Britain, with a single daily ferry from Mersin and limited flights from Turkey. The loss of Cyprus Turkish Airlines was attributed to mismanagement, bureaucratic inertia and a lack of merit-based appointments, while services by Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet were said to have later expanded transport options.
Pointing to the upcoming election, the column said political parties should present not only promises but workable and lasting tourism policies, and that decisions taken at the proposed workshop should be included in the government programme and implemented.
