Tourism executive urges new airline pricing approach for North Cyprus

Net Holding executive Hande Tibuk has urged Turkish Airlines to consider a different pricing and business model for services supporting tourism in Turkey and North Cyprus, saying transport costs remain a major obstacle for the sector.

Halkın Sesi reported that Tibuk made the call during a panel on the 2026 tourism season and expectations for 2027 at the Istanbul Tourism Fair. She said high air-ticket prices were among the most significant problems affecting North Cyprus tourism.

According to Tibuk, the cost of flights can make it more difficult to attract visitors from international markets. She said some travellers opt for longer itineraries involving connections because they are cheaper.

She argued that more competitive air transport could improve access to North Cyprus not only from Turkey but also from Europe, Russia, the Middle East and other overseas markets.

Tibuk also said tourism had been affected earlier in the year by geopolitical developments, particularly the conflict environment centred on Iran. She said this had led some foreign visitors to question Cyprus’s safety, although activity improved during the second half of the season. August and September were particularly positive months for the sector, she said.

She described Russia, Iran and Ukraine as international markets with significant demand for North Cyprus. Hotels, entertainment venues, casino offerings and international tournaments were among the factors she identified as drawing visitors.

Looking ahead, Tibuk urged caution over tourism expectations for 2027, saying the industry would need to adjust quickly to economic and geopolitical crises.