Serhan Aktunç: Attracting Two Million Tourists with Limited Resources Is a Success

Comparing North Cyprus with the south, Aktunç noted that although the south has a tourism budget nine times larger, it generates only twice as much revenue. “Given the ongoing isolation, the number of tourists we attract is an achievement,” he said during an appearance on the Sabahın Haberleri programme on Kıbrıs Postası TV, hosted by Canan Onurer.

Aktunç compared figures from 2019 and 2025, highlighting the recovery in tourism revenues after the pandemic. While arrivals from Europe have fallen, he said the overall numbers are on the rise. Aktunç pointed out that due to high energy costs, North Cyprus has become an expensive Mediterranean destination and stressed the importance of transitioning to solar energy as a solution.

“Positive Developments in Tourism Are Being Downplayed”

Aktunç expressed concern that the progress made in the tourism sector is sometimes dismissed, arguing that much of the criticism stems from external factors beyond the government’s control. He said constructive criticism is always welcome but should take the broader context into account.

Citing data from the pandemic, he reminded that tourism revenues fell to $340 million in 2021, covering just 24 per cent of the current account deficit. “Producers cannot sell what they produce without tourism,” he added, noting that while there was a 14 per cent drop in arrivals from Europe compared to 2019, overall arrivals in 2024 rose by 45 per cent compared to 2019 and by nearly 17 per cent in 2025 compared to 2024.

“North Cyprus Remains an Expensive Destination”

Aktunç attributed the decline in European arrivals to inflation, which he said has made North Cyprus more expensive than other Mediterranean destinations. He argued that switching to solar energy is crucial to lower costs, as cafes, restaurants and hotels face high energy expenses.

“Tourist Numbers Reflect Success Despite Constraints”

Aktunç also compared tourism revenues between the two sides of the island, stating: “Four million tourists visit South Cyprus, two million come here. Their tourism revenue is €3.5–4 billion, while ours is around €1.8 billion.” He underlined that the south has a tourism promotion budget of around €70 million, whereas the ministry’s budget in the north is just €8 million.

“When you look at the return on investment, considering our limited budget, the promotion efforts, the incentives provided, the lack of direct flights and the ongoing isolation, the results actually represent a success,” Aktunç concluded.