Following the controversial “Turkaegean” campaign and Greek reactions, Ankara made a new tourist promotion attempt, this time through the Brand “Island Cyprus” to the occupied territories, sparking reactions to the Greek Cypriot side and internationally.
The presentation of the new tourist brand “Island Cyprus” was held in Constantinople, with the president of the pseudo -state, Ersin Tatar, stating that the future of Cyprus is tourism. This campaign seeks to consolidate Turkish influence in an area with intense geopolitical and historical controversy.
Tatar noted that the pseudo-state tourism sector has experienced significant growth despite isolation, with flights rising from five or six a week to 600 per month and the number of visitors from Turkey exceeding 500,000. “Today, those who visit our area are leaving satisfied,” he said, stressing Ankara’s support in trying to highlight the pseudo -state as an international tourist destination.
Tatar reiterated his commitment to the policy of the two states, stressing that the presence of the Turkish army on the island is vital to the safety of the pseudo -state. “Our presence there depends on the presence of the Turkish army on the island as a deterrent,” he said, rejecting any possibility of unification with the Republic of Cyprus.
Ankara’s choice to link the tourist promotion of the Brand “Island Cyprus” is considered by many to be an attempt to legitimize the occupation and reinforcement of secessionist regime. This campaign, which follows the line of “Turkaegean”, aims to project the occupied as an “alternative” tourist product, ignoring UN decisions and the firm position of the international community.
For his part, Turkey’s Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz pointed out that Turkey would continue to support the tourism development of the occupied, with its tourist revenue exceeding $ 61 billion in 2024. “The Island Cyprus plan and its plan to tour She is not going to do behind her strategy in the area.
“Island Cyprus” aims to promote the natural and cultural treasures of the pseudo -state internationally, with clear political extensions, as it attempts to enhance the image of the occupied area as an independent tourist destination. With this move, Ankara seeks to consolidate its tourist influence in the Eastern Mediterranean, despite the reactions of the Republic of Cyprus and international organizations.
FIRST THEME