Fikri Ataoğlu: Tourism cannot be sacrificed for politics

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu criticized the Greek Cypriot Administration’s efforts to prevent European tourists from making day trips from the South to the North until August 31.

According to a statement from the Ministry, Ataoğlu condemned the new agreement between the Greek Cypriot Administration and the TUI tour operator, which aims to block tourists coming from Europe to Southern Cyprus from crossing into Northern Cyprus. He noted that this move violates the European Union's (EU) principle of free movement.

Ataoğlu emphasized that this initiative would negatively impact the country both economically and socially and stressed that restricting tourists' freedom to travel and their right to free movement cannot be justified.

He also pointed out that the EU's silence on such a matter, which contradicts its core principles, would essentially support this unreasonable stance and once again demonstrate its biased attitude on the island.

Ataoğlu stated that this measure, which deprives tourists of the opportunity and right to see the entire island, cannot be explained by EU laws, the nature of tourism, or humanitarian values. He added that this situation would fuel the isolation imposed on Turkish Cypriots and hinder efforts toward a solution on the island, not just economically but also politically.

He argued that such actions not only restrict tourists' freedom but also lead to further division between the island's two communities. Ataoğlu emphasized that placing obstacles in the way of the tourism sector, which could strengthen ties between the two communities, enhance cultural understanding, and contribute to the peace process, would only serve to deepen the problem on the island.

"TOURISM CANNOT BE SACRIFICED FOR POLITICS"

Fikri Ataoğlu also referred to the statement made by TUI, Germany's leading tour operator, which announced that all tours to Northern Cyprus would be suspended until August 31, 2024, under the agreement with the Greek Cypriot Administration. He described this as a political decision that goes against the nature of tourism.

Ataoğlu pointed out that TUI's decision, which applies to all tours to the northern part of the island, would negatively impact local guides as well. He said, "This measure not only affects the tourism of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the state level, but it also puts both Southern and Northern Cyprus tourism and tour guides in a difficult position. Tourism cannot be sacrificed for politics. This decision, which disregards people who make their living from tourism, must be reversed as soon as possible."

He added, "TUI's announcement of plans to completely halt tours to Northern Cyprus until August 31, 2024, has created great uncertainty for local workers and those employed in the tourism sector in both communities."

Ataoğlu also stated, "The EU and the UN's indifference and inaction in the face of such measures seriously undermine the neutrality and credibility of these two international organizations from the perspective of Turkish Cypriots."

He called on the UN and the EU to stop remaining silent and indifferent to the Greek Cypriot Administration's attitudes and behaviors that deepen the division between the two communities. Ataoğlu emphasized the need for them to recognize the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the Turkish Cypriot people and to halt such biased actions immediately.