Ataoğlu: “We Aim to Make Tourism Year-Round in Northern Cyprus”

“Our goal is to diversify tourist profiles, increase accommodation capacity, and make tourism a year-round sector,” Ataoğlu said, highlighting the government’s focus on sustainable, digital, and market-targeted tourism strategies. He emphasized that tourism is not only vital for economic growth but also strengthens cultural ties.

Ataoğlu attended the opening of the Travel Turkey İzmir (TTI) International Tourism Trade Fair and Congress, accompanied by Northern Cyprus’ Consul General in İzmir, Mustafa Davulcu.

Organized under the auspices of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Trade, hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, and supported by TÜRSAB in partnership with İZFAŞ and TÜRSAB Fuarcılık, the 19th TTI İzmir International Tourism Trade Fair and Congress will continue until Friday. The fair brings together public institutions, municipalities, travel agencies, tour operators, tourism offices, hotels and accommodation facilities, airlines, tourism transport services, and travel technology and software providers.

Strengthening Destinations, Targeting New Markets, and Diversifying Promotion

Ataoğlu stressed the fair’s importance for regional cooperation, tourism vision, and commercial potential. “Today, we are not just opening a fair; we are taking an important step to strengthen our region’s tourism vision and international cooperation opportunities,” he said, noting İzmir’s historical role as a hub for trade, culture, and Mediterranean spirit.

He highlighted that global tourism competition is increasing, with sustainability, digitalization, and quality tourism becoming key trends. Northern Cyprus is actively strengthening its destinations, targeting new markets, and diversifying its promotional strategies to meet these trends.

Sustainable Tourism and Market Expansion

Ataoğlu explained that tourism growth is being pursued through sustainable destination management, market diversification, digital promotion, and the expansion of flight networks. The focus for this year is diversifying tourist profiles, expanding accommodation options, and making tourism year-round.

Referring to the “Island of Cyprus” branding initiative launched last year, Ataoğlu noted it has already produced results, with nearly a 30% increase in the Turkish market. He added that TÜRSAB’s recent visit to Northern Cyprus contributed to the project and congratulated Firuz Bağlıkaya and his team on their re-election, saying new tourism projects will be implemented in the new term.

Ataoğlu emphasized that Northern Cyprus will continue to be promoted through events across Turkey and thanked all institutions and organizations involved in preparing the fair. Highlighting the rise of alternative tourism models, he extended an open invitation to everyone to visit the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.