A coalition of organizations, including the Sustainable Tourism Initiative, Green Peace Movement, Cyprus Eco-Agro Tourism Federation, Cyprus Turkish Guides Association (KITREB), and the Environmental Protection Foundation (ÇEKOVA), issued a joint statement condemning proposed changes to the Gaming Law in the TRNC. The groups criticized the government’s plans to issue 4-5 new casino permits despite the existing quota being full, warning of severe consequences for tourism, society, and the environment.

The statement called the proposed changes a "major threat" to the island’s tourism sector, social and cultural fabric, and already strained infrastructure. It accused the government of prioritizing short-term economic benefits at the expense of sustainable development and the well-being of the local community.

"Irreversible Harm to Society and Tourism"

The organizations warned that additional casino permits would exacerbate social inequalities and create irreversible societal problems, including:

• Marginalizing local small businesses unable to compete with casinos.
• Destroying diversity and sustainability in the tourism sector.
• Increasing pressure on the island's already inadequate infrastructure.

Criticism of Policy Direction

The statement directly criticized the Ministry of Tourism’s apparent disregard for sustainability, asking why small hotels that are struggling or closed have been overlooked. It questioned the government’s vision, highlighting the lack of consideration for environmental, social, and cultural impacts.

"What kind of vision prioritizes the economic dimension of tourism while ignoring sustainability?" the statement asked, emphasizing the importance of aligning policies with the principles of sustainable tourism.

Call to Action

The organizations demanded that the amendment process for the Gaming Law be halted immediately and called for a transparent consultation process involving sector representatives and the public. Their recommendations included:

• Abandoning plans for new casino permits.
• Implementing incentive policies to support small hotels and local businesses.
• Developing a Tourism Master Plan based on sustainable principles and free from populist approaches.

Protecting TRNC’s Reputation

The statement urged the government to avoid jeopardizing the TRNC's future by pursuing short-term economic gains. It emphasized the need to protect natural resources, the social fabric, and the island’s international reputation.

The coalition concluded by stressing that sustainable tourism is essential for the long-term prosperity of the TRNC, and warned against turning the island into a destination characterized by environmental degradation and damaged social structures.