Northern Cyprus tourism: "external truce" and "internal booking war"

In Northern Cyprus, tourism is going through a price and strategic crisis against the backdrop of geopolitical risks and rising costs, according to representatives of the hotel sector. On April 24, 2026, "Diyalog Gazetesi" published an assessment by Mehtap Erdem, hotel sales and marketing coordinator, who commented on the question: "Where is TRNC tourism heading?".

According to Erdem, due to the military situation and economic fluctuations, the industry is moving away from planning and turning into a more expensive model. She attributes this, in particular, to the uncertainty on the US-Iran line, which, in her assessment, affects the rise in oil prices. When the price of oil approaches the $100 mark, it is reflected in tourism expenses through more expensive air tickets, an increase in the cost of package deals, and a general perception of holidays as more expensive.

Erdem also noted that over the last month, prices for flights from Turkey to the TRNC have significantly increased. According to her forecast, especially on flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir towards Ercan, this price increase will accelerate as the summer season approaches.

Speaking about opportunities, she emphasized: global crises can become a chance with competent management, and Northern Cyprus is capable of acting as a "safe haven". At the same time, success, in Erdem's opinion, is determined not only by hotel occupancy, but primarily by the formation of profitable demand and a correct pricing policy that stimulates early bookings.