Economic Integration and the Tourism Industry of North Cyprus

Abstract

As a result of non-recognition, economic embargoes and political isolation, hopes for a federal solution have diminished and the economic integration of North Cyprus with Turkey is now on the agenda. In the study discussed in this paper, academics and top managers in the private and public sectors were interviewed to ascertain their expectations concerning the possible impacts on the tourism industry of North Cyprus of such economic integration. The consensus was that economic integration would improve marketing and promotion, transportation, and investments in the tourism industry. However, the success of the industry depends heavily on increasing the competitiveness of the North Cyprus tourism product in terms of price, quality and marketing, and on the successful establishment of joint ventures with Turkish entrepreneurs.