Decline in European Tourists Visiting Northern Cyprus

The number of European tourists visiting the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is decreasing. Several factors are contributing to this trend, including the lack of direct flights, challenges related to international recognition, and insufficient marketing efforts. As a result, Northern Cyprus' tourism sector remains heavily dependent on Turkey.

This issue was a key discussion point at ITB Berlin, one of the world's largest tourism trade fairs. Speaking about Turkish tourism, Kaan Kavaloğlu, President of the Mediterranean Hotel Operators Association (AKTOB), noted that demand for Turkey among European travelers remains strong. However, due to exchange rate fluctuations, the cost of vacations in Turkey has risen significantly.

According to Kavaloğlu, Turkey’s loss of its competitive pricing advantage has made it harder to attract budget-conscious travelers. While the country still competes with destinations like Egypt and Tunisia, its primary rivals in the European market are Spain and Greece.

The situation is even more challenging for the TRNC. While Turkey continues to attract tourists from a variety of markets despite rising costs, Northern Cyprus' tourism sector is shrinking and becoming increasingly reliant on Turkey.

Why Are Fewer European Tourists Visiting the TRNC?

One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of direct flights. Tourists traveling to Northern Cyprus must transit through Turkey, making the journey more complicated. As a result, many travelers opt for the Republic of Cyprus or other alternative destinations instead.

Another major issue is international recognition. The TRNC's unrecognized status makes it difficult to collaborate with major European tour operators. While European travel companies actively promote the Republic of Cyprus, Northern Cyprus is gradually losing visibility in key markets.

Marketing efforts also play a role. While Turkey invests heavily in tourism campaigns across Europe, the TRNC's promotional activities remain limited. This lack of exposure is particularly evident in traditional markets such as the UK, where Northern Cyprus is becoming less known as a holiday destination. Additionally, the quality of hotels and services in the TRNC struggles to compete with more established tourist hotspots.

Unlike Turkey, which offers a wide range of accommodation options for every budget, Northern Cyprus has seen a rise in hotel prices and a limited selection of services—especially during peak season—further driving potential visitors to alternative destinations.

Experts warn that this growing reliance on Turkey poses significant risks to the future of Northern Cyprus’ tourism sector.