Lefke tourism group urges support for rural and eco-focused models

Lefke Tourism Association President Hasan Karlıtaş has called for greater support for rural tourism, environmental protection and the preservation of cultural heritage in the region.

In a written statement issued for World Tourism Day, Karlıtaş said tourism policy should respect nature, protect local cultural values and place greater emphasis on rural areas, according to a report by Halkın Sesi.

He also renewed his call for the Lefke Development Plan to be implemented as soon as possible. Karlıtaş said issues including water and energy efficiency, expanding green spaces and responding to climate change required collective responsibility.

He said eco-agro tourism, special-interest tourism and green tourism models should receive support. Karlıtaş also argued that Lefke’s villages could be developed as tourism brands while retaining their distinctive character.

According to the report, the model he described would focus on local production and consumption, alongside the protection of the area’s history and natural environment. He said work was under way to strengthen rural tourism in Lefke.