Northern Cyprus tourism: “external truce” and “internal booking war”

Tourism in Northern Cyprus is undergoing a price and strategic crisis amidst geopolitical risks and rising costs, according to hotel sector representatives. On April 24, 2026, Diyalog Gazetesi published an assessment by Mehtap Erdem, a 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 oil prices approach the $100 mark, it reflects on tourism expenses through more expensive airfare, increased costs of package deals, and a general perception of holidays being costlier.

Erdem also noted that over the past month, prices for flights from Turkey to the TRNC have risen significantly. 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 an opportunity with proper management, and Northern Cyprus is capable of acting as a "safe haven." However, 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 encourages early bookings.