President Tatar Condemns South Cyprus Tourist Ban

The Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus has reached a new agreement with TUI, a leading German tour operator, to prevent tourists traveling from Europe to Southern Cyprus from crossing into Northern Cyprus. TUI announced that, in accordance with this agreement, all tours to Northern Cyprus will be suspended until August 31, 2024.

President Ersin Tatar responded to this development, condemning the Greek Cypriot leadership’s actions, which he described as a hostile attempt to undermine the tourism sector in Northern Cyprus.

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In his statement, President Ersin Tatar expressed strong objections to the Greek Cypriot leadership’s actions, stating:

“The Greek Cypriot leadership has once again targeted our tourism sector as part of its ‘blockade policy’ aimed at crippling our economy. They are taking illegal steps to prevent people, including EU citizens, who have booked holidays in Northern Cyprus, from crossing over. This policy is being enforced through the blackmail of tour operators.

This situation lays bare the Greek Cypriot leadership’s true intentions regarding the future of Cyprus. For 61 years, they have pursued a policy of isolation and oppression, violating the fundamental human rights of Turkish Cypriots. Since last January, their actions have flagrantly disregarded international law to further this policy.

In response, as of last week, we have consulted with sector representatives and tourism organizations and have reached out to relevant international parties, including the European Union, urging them to intervene against this hostile policy.

I call on the Greek Cypriot leadership to end their outdated policies of economic destruction, including targeting our universities and real estate investments, and to stop extending their blockade to our tourism sector, reminiscent of their post-1963 tactics.

What Cyprus needs most today is an environment of cooperation between both sides. I urge the Greek Cypriot leader to abandon these primitive policies and take steps towards fostering new cooperation. As President, I am committed to protecting the rights and interests of my people on every platform and will continue to engage with relevant international circles, including the EU, on this issue.”