The Deputy Prime Ministry, Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) participated in the 18th Travel Turkey Izmir (TTI) International Tourism Trade Fair and Congress, which commenced today. The event, held in Izmir, brings together tourism professionals from across Turkey and around the globe.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, along with TRNC Izmir Consul General Ayşen Volkan İnanıroğlu, represented Northern Cyprus at the fair, which runs until December 7. Organized by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Trade, in collaboration with the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and TÜRSAB, the fair provides a platform for promoting and marketing tourism opportunities.

TTI Izmir Highlights

TTI Izmir continues its tradition of connecting tourism professionals, hosting participants such as municipalities, travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, airlines, and tourism offices. Simultaneously, the TTI Health Tourism Fair, focusing on health tourism, will also take place from December 5-7.

The event offers tourism industry professionals a space to meet, network, and establish business agreements, fostering international collaborations in the tourism sector.

Ataoğlu’s Speech: A New Vision for TRNC Tourism

During his opening remarks, Minister Ataoğlu highlighted the significance of the Izmir Tourism Fair and shared insights about Northern Cyprus’s tourism initiatives. He introduced "Ada Kıbrıs", a new tourism brand focusing on the cultural and gastronomic heritage of Northern Cyprus, aimed at promoting the island throughout Anatolia.

Key points from Ataoğlu’s address:

• Strengthened Collaborations: Ataoğlu praised the partnership between TÜRSAB and KITSAB, emphasizing their contributions to enhancing the region’s tourism profile.
• Flight Expansion: He announced that Sun Express Airlines has launched flights connecting Izmir, Antalya, and Adana to Northern Cyprus and is working on bringing tourists from Europe in the near future.
• Charter Flight Incentives: Plans are underway to introduce incentives for charter flights from various countries by 2025.
• Growing Visitor Numbers: The number of tourists visiting Northern Cyprus continues to rise annually, with special attention drawn to Closed Maraş, which has become a major attraction since its reopening.

Invitation to Northern Cyprus

Ataoğlu concluded by inviting everyone to explore the unique cultural, historical, and alternative tourism opportunities in Northern Cyprus. "We aim to increase the diversity of tourism models and welcome visitors from all over the world to experience the beauty of the TRNC," he said.