Istanbul: Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz on Friday underscored Trkiye's commitment to enhancing tourism in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) through the introduction of the Tourism Master Plan and the "Island Cyprus" campaign. These initiatives are set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the tourism sector in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, Yilmaz, speaking at the launch of the 'Island Cyprus' brand in Istanbul, emphasized the significance of having a strategic plan for tourism, describing it as both valuable and encouraging. He expressed Ankara's ambition for the TRNC to secure a more robust position in the tourism industry, citing Trkiye's own tourism success, with an income exceeding $61 billion last year and hosting over 62 million guests.
Yilmaz highlighted the TRNC's appeal with its natural beauty, rich history, cultural heritage, and cuisine. The Island Cyprus campaign is designed to showcase these attractions to a broader audience and redefine the country with its distinct island identity. He noted that many Turkish citizens have yet to visit the TRNC and expressed hope that the campaign will inspire them to explore the island's offerings.
The Turkish Vice President further emphasized Trkiye's ongoing support for the TRNC across sectors such as transportation, health, education, and infrastructure. He reaffirmed a commitment to peace and prosperity through concrete projects and mentioned the "Century of Trkiye" as being synonymous with the "Century of the TRNC." Yilmaz referenced the 2025 Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement as a cornerstone for deepening cooperation between the two nations.
Additionally, Yilmaz reiterated Trkiye's endorsement of a two-state solution as a realistic approach for the island, noting the failure of past unity efforts. He also discussed ongoing initiatives to make travel to the TRNC more affordable and accessible, reinforcing Trkiye's dedication to the TRNC's development and international presence.