ATAOĞLU: “TRNC IS ON ITS WAY TO BECOMING ONE OF THE WORLD'S FAVORITE DESTINATIONS”
During the press conference held within the scope of the International Antalya Tourism Fair (ATF25), Fikri Ataoğlu, Minister of Tourism and Environment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), shared his country's tourism strategies and future investments. Minister Ataoğlu emphasized the promotion of TRNC's natural beauties and historical richness, in addition to the tourism opportunities offered by Northern Cyprus.
Investment in Tourism Development and Environmentally Friendly Policies
Minister Fikri Ataoğlu stated that Northern Cyprus is open to tourism activities in all seasons: "We offer a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus where you can swim in the sea twelve months a year, competing with the world with its sun and sea. Tourism continues to be the locomotive sector of our country's economy."
Minister Ataoğlu also drew attention to the rapid increase in investments in Northern Cyprus. He stated, “Investments in Northern Cyprus continue to grow not only in the tourism sector but also in housing and environmental projects. Thanks to these investments, we are ensuring that the TRNC is more recognized internationally.”
Investment and Tourism Commitments from Turkey
Minister Ataoğlu stated that tourism is one of the TRNC's biggest economic strengths, emphasizing that investors from Turkey continue to show increasing interest in the country: “Investors from motherland Turkey are making world-class investments in Northern Cyprus's tourism sector. This strengthens Northern Cyprus's strong position in tourism."
Health Tourism and Sustainability Efforts
Minister Ataoğlu also made statements regarding the development of health tourism, stating that significant steps have been taken to ensure that the health services offered by Northern Cyprus are recognized worldwide. "Northern Cyprus is rapidly progressing towards becoming an important center for health tourism. Investments in health tourism will further increase in the future."
Minister Ataoğlu also touched upon the TRNC's work in the field of sustainability. "Steps such as green energy projects, environmentally friendly investments, and water management are preparing Northern Cyprus for a greener future. Our projects in this area are progressing rapidly."
Alternative Tourism and Combating Misleading Perceptions
Kuzey Kıbrıs’ın sadece kumar turizmiyle sınırlı olmadığını belirten Bakan Ataoğlu, alternatif turizm modellerine de önem verdiklerini ifade etti. "Kuzey Kıbrıs, kültürel turizmden sağlık turizmine kadar geniş bir yelpazeye sahip. Ülkemiz, tarihi zenginlikleri ve doğal güzellikleriyle dikkat çekiyor."
Q&A: Investment Facilities in TRNC
In response to a press member's question about the facilities offered to Turkish tourism investors wishing to invest in TRNC, Minister Ataoğlu replied: "We offer land exemptions and tax benefits to our investors. We provide every kind of opportunity for investors to come to Northern Cyprus."
The Minister also stated, in his assessments on health tourism and capacity management, that they are working for sustainable growth.
The Rising Star of Tourism: Northern Cyprus
Minister Fikri Ataoğlu concluded the meeting with the following words: "The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is rapidly advancing towards becoming a world-class tourism center, not just for Turkey. The tourism sector not only fosters economic growth but also ensures that our country's cultural and environmental riches reach more people."
