The effects of political non-recognition on the tourists’ visitation decision & investment opportunites to North Cyprus Assist. Prof. Dr. İsmet ESENYEL GAU SHTM Director Vice President for AMFORT

N.C TOURISM PRODUCT North Cyprus (N. Cyprus) has not yet reached an international recognition as a sovereign state excluding Turkey, the tourism sector has displayed a significant growth within the last few decades despite the embargoes sanctioned. North Cyprus has much potential to improve its resources and capability as a unique tourism destination.

NORTH CYPRUS BRAND IMAGE The political status of a destination, non-recognition, and tourists’ decision making research has turned considerable attention to the tourism economy in North Cyprus. The tourists’ visitation decision was being affected by the political non-recognition, restricts on transportation, lack of diplomatic representative and the image of conflict in N. Cyprus to visit such a destination.

The East Mediterranean climate and unique culture attracts tourists and business from around the world. Geopolitical and strategical position of Cyprus is unique.New marketing mix elements such as business environment (gas&oil reserves,water supply from Turkey ) and location by means of logistics might be considered as new trends .

Highlight on the Cyprus Negotiations Since the southern region joined the EU, expectations to unify both nations under a federal body provided with equal rights, or economic changing would happen drive toward prosper future opportunities for the whole island. ( positive imrovements are expected) Following the growth rate in tourism sector from launching Annan’s plan in 2003, the monitor indicates the accelerated rhythm for construction in hotel sector. Under the sensitiveness of the non-recognition and its impacts on the tourism and the economy as a whole,purely Meditterranean identity is not entirely discovered by global investors

Destination Competitive Advantage Geographical location, resources and attractions, cultural diversity, legal institutions and structures stability and freedom from strife; help to promote its tourism product and attract FDI. The development of today tourism people in their different economic levels longs to travel and share the pleasure of travelling around the world. Business practices and tourism may play a significant role in reducing the identity conflict and promote images of peace.

SWOT Analysis of N. Cyprus Tourism Product Strengths Very low crime and violence rate comparing with S. Cyprus and Europe, human rights and democracy are highly preserved. Natural and cultural heritage are well preserved. International standards for resorts and other tourist facilities Vacationer enjoys tranquillity in a warm hospitality Weaknesses An independent physical body of tourism industry which escort in lack of coordination and policies development Hotel occupany rates (annually) 46% About 70% of tourists are Turkish outstanding 30 % from other countries Lack of information and diplomatic representative Threats Non-recognition and embargoes Indirect flight and ferries rather than Turkey Unfair European attitude to the Cyprus dilemma Rivalry with the other Mediterranean countries with a comparable climate. Image of conflict Opportunities The geographic and geopolitic importance of the N. Cyprus Easy to access to Europe Undiscovered and unspoiled Availability of second residential home and environment for investment such as mega brige project to link with Turkey to create a universal reputation (water piperline opened almost a month ago)

GAU-INTEB SURVEY OUTCOMES Almost 62.1% of the tourists have visited N. Cyprus by package tours and 76.7% were above 40 years old. Average tourist expenditure rate examined as €876 EUROS for 7.8 average day length of stay. Almost 55% of arrivals became repeat tourist. Tourists prefer mostly 5 star accomodation units.

Potential Tourism Market Achievement Medicine (Medical) Tourism Elderly and Disable Tourism MICE Tourism; meeting, incentive, conference and event. Religous Tourism Eco Tourism

The effect of political non-recognition on visitation decision Source: Diagram by İsmet ESENYEL

Conclusion The political non-recognition of N. Cyprus imposes restrictions on direct flights operation, the diplomatic representative and creates an image of conflict, which influenced on the tourists’ visitation decision to the country. The contribution of this information is significant as the increase in arrival numbers will positively help the N. Cyprus tourism industry and its economy. The positive attitudes towards N. Cyprus suggest a greater understanding to the nature of the Cyprus identity conflict and its peacefulness due to the continuity of the common negotiations from time to time. In general, the positive attitude of tourists reinforces the uniqueness of N. Cyprus taking that advantage of its virginity from its political situation.

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