Why is tourism down this year?

[RAZR63]

Just read in the recent edition of Cyprus Today that tourism is down this year and saying that the false media reports from the UK about the recent missile hasn't helped. They go on to give different reasons but choose not to look closer to home!

What about the ever increasing stray dogs and cat situation which seems to be worse than ever this year, despite the animal charities doing their best? Don't they think that puts tourists off?

What about all the litter? This week I saw Dolmus drivers just dumping their rubbish on the roadside. Drivers regularly flicking their fag butt ends out of their cars (I am surprised we don't get as many fires!)

Yes false media reports don't help but "Get your house in order first" before blaming others.

[Studleyjupiter]

What about the ELEPHANT in the room ....the fact that people are literally broke ....maxed out credit cards huge debts to service at home .!!
Also the TRNC does not have the most accessible points of entry by air,and that the propoganda from the south of the island works very hard to retain the tourist spend there.
As far as rubbish goes and stray dogs and cats maybe you should visit India and throw cows /buffalo /horses donkeys /deer /sheep etc etc into the mix literally walking down the street as part of everyday life and their Tourism is as robust as ever....

Over 10 million foreign tourists arrived in India in 2017 compared to 8.89 million in 2016, representing a growth of 15.6%.

[IPA]

I agree. A big factor also for tourists is price. I've seen package holidays in Europe for mainland Turkey for about 450 Euro 10 days hotel and flights.

[Reyntj]

Yes its exoensive to get here quite a long flight compared to spain. Also the hotels are expensive to 8 years ago the hotels where a lot cheaperno wthey have built more and put the price up.

[Art]

Our next door neighbor hires out his Villa during the summer period and over the years we have become friendly with many of his guests.Very few have complained about the litter or the animal issue and most have returned to the UK having had a very good holiday-in-fact many have rebooked and return to the TRNC each year.

I really don’t think the TRNC tourist department effectively market the many attractions associated with the North,of which there are many and as everyone knows the cost of flights is cost prohibited for many families.

Although extremely concerning I do not think the rubbish, driving standards or animal welfare are the main reasons for the decline.More like the cost of flights - long flights-current tensions in the med and the anti TRNC propaganda repetitively dished out by the south

Rarely have I heard. anyone complain and many think it’s a great place to have a holiday.

[Laura B]

I think it could be partly that people were loathe to book flights into Larnaca, still the cheapest and easiest way to get here, due to the uncertainty of Brexit and whether there would then be problems associated with leaving the airport to cross to the north.

[Trigger]

Of course, all of the above mentioned factors such as flight prices and brexit have contributed to lower tourism numbers this year but you cannot underestimate the negative effect the litter / rubbish has on visitors.

As the rest of the world is slowly waking up to recycling / sustainability / plastic in the oceans, holiday makers will vote with their feet and go to cleaner places. The social media campaigners have quite a lot of influence these days. The Instagram crew want to be hash-tagged into the cool places, not the bad places etc.

It is not rocket science. North Cyprus’s main income is from tourism. If the country was cleaner and more attractive, more people would visit. The amount of rubbish on the sides of roads, in the countryside, on the beaches, the lack of recycling depots is staggering and at best, about 50 years behind most other countries I have ever visited.

All in my opinion of course...

[RAZR63]

The benchmark of course is Singapore: Visitor arrivals to Singapore rose 6.2% to hit new high in 2018: STB. The Singapore tourism industry had a record year in 2018, with 18.5 million visitor arrivals - a 6.2 per cent spike from the year before. It's not cheap to get there either!

First time offenders of animal cruelty could be fined up to $15,000, jailed up to 18 months or both. Offenders who are in animal-related businesses will face heftier penalties for animal cruelty up to $40,000 in fines or jail, not exceeding two years or both. ... In Singapore it is a crime to be cruel to an animal.

In Singapore, fines can reach $1,000 for first time offenders and littering fines range from $300 to $1,000 for first time offenders. Both fines rise up to $5,000 for third-time offenders with the possibility of facing jail time

Probably not holiday related---- A person guilty of bribery of a public official under the key provisions of the PCA (Section 5 or Section 6) shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding SGD 100,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both. There are also certain offenses relating to government contracts or bribery of a member of a public body under certain circumstances, which may result in a fine not exceeding SGD 100,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years, or both.

[Art]

Trigger.

By all accounts ,despite efforts for a cleaner environment many parts of the UK resembles a rubbish dump and animal cruelty offenses are at an all time high.Its also worrying to note the number of dogs being dumped and ill treated by expats in the TRNC.

Just adding a sense of perspective.

[iancrumpy]

It's also worrying to note the number of dogs being dumped and ill treated by expats in the TRNC.

Art, I would agree with the "dumping" you commented on. Indeed stray dogs are not a serious issue in Lefkoşa, at least in part due to few expats living there. However, the "dumping" of pets by expats, paticularly in and around Girne is often not under their control - Often the expats concerned have to leave unexpectedly, without relatives around to look after the animals. It could be argued though that these people shouldn't have taken the animals on in the first place.

As to why tourism has declined, there are many factors. And incidents, like the one in this report from Turkey's Hürriyet, might contribute to a decline in tourism in the months to come: Apparently on the 5th of July, passengers at Larnaca airport, bound for a Bafra hotel were prevented from boarding a bus by GCs. The report, even according to my TC wife, is not terribly clear, and, seeing as GC police also tried to prevent the boarding, it might just have been a misunderstanding as to where the bus should park. However, according to Hürriyet, the bus was then followed by GC bus drivers (plural) resulting in damage to the rear view mirror. As I wrote, it might all have started with a parking issue and then an argument at the airport, but, with what happened later on the road, it must certainly have been worrying for the tourists on board.

Source : http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/dunya/rumlar ... i-41266807

[karakumc5]

Dogs and Litter are the 2 main reasons people are not coming to the TRNC.
Tourists dont hire cars for there entire holiday when here so feel threatened and intimidated by stray dogs especially if you have children as they try to walk the streets.
Tourists do not want to visit a beautiful island which is covered in rubbish and broken effes bottles.


Friends that have used my property over the years give these 2 reasons as to why they would not come back or recomend others to visit and this is a fact.

[jofra]

I would suggest that any decrease is by far down to increased air fares and uncertainty regarding south to north (and return) due to Brexit - Europe will still be cheaper and easier (perhaps just a visa?), but here, actual aggro/physical blocking by GCs?
I've been coming since 2011 (twice a year since 2015) - litter? it's not good, but don't other countries have it at all?
And stray cats and dogs? 95% of those I see are fast asleep in the sun (or shade)...!! Hardly "intimidating"....

[Maisiemoo]

I think it's to do with Brexit and the price of airfares
I came out 28th March via Larnaca but didn't book a return not knowing what was going to happen 're Brexit. I wanted to return at the end of May but the price of a flight was horrendous. As soon as the Brexit date was extended to 31st October the prices miraculously dropped and I got 2 return flights with BA business class for £750,.coming back to Larnaca middle.of September. I need to return to the UK.middle.of November but again the price of flights seems artificially high.

[Harrythecod]

I agree the dogs do put some people off.the rubbish problem is not good I have often wondered why with all the army here why they don’t put them out to do a mass clean up.

[Keithcaley]

... I have often wondered why with all the army here why they don’t put them out to do a mass clean up.

Perhaps it's because the soldiers are employed by the Army, and their job is 'security', whereas the task of keeping the place clean is the responsibility of the local Belediyeler - I don't suppose that there is any channel of communication between the two...

A better solution would be to have the soldiers shoot anyone that they see littering - that would probably solve the problem overnight

[Deniz1]

Lots of prisoners languishing send them out. Under guard of course lol.

[Trigger]

... I have often wondered why with all the army here why they don’t put them out to do a mass clean up.

A better solution would be to have the soldiers shoot anyone that they see littering - that would probably solve the problem overnight

That is probably the most sensible suggestion written on this board in recent times. We can call it ‘Keith’s Law’.



In all seriousness though, other countries are not perfect, but a lot lot better with rubbish than North Cyprus. I am in Crete at the moment. It is not perfect. I go to the south. Again not perfect, but not rubbish everywhere. Same with the UK and places like Thailand.

Thailand is actually a pretty good comparison. As their government understand the importance of tourism to people’s livelihoods, they have introduced new strict laws on littering on beaches including not smoking on beaches. Maya beach, a location that is beautiful and popular from a movie was getting damaged from over use... so they have closed it down to the public to let it recover.

The other day I was driving behind a local car in Tatlisu. It had a young family in it of what appeared to be locals. A young man (driver), a young woman (front passenger) and what appeared to be a child in the back. As we drove over the round a bout heading towards Girne, the woman just lobs out a drink tin out of the window. I was so annoyed. Do I flash them? Do I hope they stop at the shop ahead so I can get out and give them a piece of my mind or try and explain that she should be disposing her rubbish correctly? Is it my job to get myself in such a position?

I stopped at the shop ahead and they drove off. Probably just as well because I would have said something (that’s the way I am) and got myself in a predicament.

The sad thing of it all though... their child in the back of the car watches parents doing this and therefore thinks it’s acceptable behaviour.

[Trigger]

Just to add a positive stance, can I just say it is not all doom and gloom. The litter North cyprus has is just material. It can easily be cleaned up. It’s not as if it is radioactive (Chernobyl Style).

A couple of months ago, we were walking down near Crystal Bay and came across a lovely couple collecting rubbish in black plastic bags. We stopped, got some bags from them and helped. I have seen numerous clean ups on Facebook by organisations too arranging beach clean ups. I often pick rubbish up from the road side near where I live and put it in bins. That helps.

But there does need to be a big culture change from people before it is too late. The local council / government need to do more. Greater education is needed. This will benefit everyone.

[Jonnie]

I think the litter is not as bad as 12 years ago when I first moved out, though it has a long way to go and it has been a long time since I have seen anything other than a cigarette being chucked out of a car. That does enrage me though. The main reason are brexit uncertainty, simple and it has been made worse today by JC saying he will back another referendum and campaign to remain! God forbid!

[RAZR63]

I guess this doesn't help either:......
TRNC Tourist Bus Attacked at Larnaca Airport

A tourist bus with Turkish Cypriot number plates was attacked as it arrived to pick up 25 passengers at Larnaca airport on Friday evening.

Reportedly a group of officials and bus drivers tried to prevent 25 tourists from boarding the bus which was to take them to Bafra, Famagusta.

When the bus tried to leave, cars tried to block its way, hemming it in back and front. The rear view mirrors were damaged. The bus driver had papers permitting him pick up passengers. Security guards merely looked on while the attack took place. People trying to board the bus were verbally abused and physically attacked.

Once the tourist bus did manage to leave the airport, it was further harassed by two heavy goods vehicles which raced past the bus and attempted to block the road, risking the safety of the passengers on board. The driver changed his pre-planned route and went to the nearest border crossing to enter the TRNC.

[Art]

Yes ..it’s not at all helpful.

[kiplet]

Let’s hope the possible plan for a new ferry terminal Karpaz to Turkey... way pays off....
another way of avoiding Larnaca airport

I heard talk of this at one of the karpaz hotels last week..
Lots of new businesses cropping up in the proposed area...including a holiday company..

Any one else heard ?

[ttoli]

It amazes me that C2D readers (Sun readers et al )place such faith in their 2nd hand reportage as gospel ,God Help the TRNC

[ttoli]

Let’s hope the possible plan for a new ferry terminal Karpaz to Turkey... way pays off....
another way of avoiding Larnaca airport

I heard talk of this at one of the karpaz hotels last week..
Lots of new businesses cropping up in the proposed area...including a holiday company..

Any one else heard ?

Which new businesses ?, which new holiday company ? hearing talk of and delivering are 2 different things , ferry passengers from Turkey spend a fifth of those that fly in to either ECN or LCA

[kiplet]

If you drive near the Noah's Ark hotel on the route to the Karpaz..we saw a community of up and coming shops and businesses popping up...one being a travel company...

[RAZR63]

A drop in arrivals from Russia as well as the UK which is affected by Brexit and the German market which is constrained by lower airline capacity after the bankruptcy of two airlines, is driving hoteliers to reduce prices to boost occupancy.

[iancrumpy]

Just read in the recent edition of Cyprus Today that tourism is down this year.

One wonders where Cyprus Today is getting its statistics from? Apparently, according to figures just released by the Association of Turkish Cypriot Hoteliers, occupancy of their hotels, for the month of July 2019 has increased by 4% compared to the same period last year.

A drop in arrivals ... is driving hoteliers to reduce prices to boost occupancy.

Maybe then, the lower prices have already taken effect ... seems too soon to me though.

However you look at it, and contrary to what one would presume from some posts on this thread, it's not all gloom and doom here in the TR of NC.

In any case, check out the source I used :
https://www.gundemkibris.com/kibris/ote ... 78109.html

[EnjoyingTheSun]

One wonders where Cyprus Today is getting its statistics from? Apparently, according to figures just released by the Association of Turkish Cypriot Hoteliers, occupancy of their hotels, for the month of July 2019 has increased by 4% compared to the same period last year.

I'm not saying they are lying but I know from conversations that I've had with managers of some of the bigger hotels out here they often quote mid 90% residency year round which doesn't seem likely

[iancrumpy]

I'm not saying they are lying but I know from conversations that I've had with managers of some of the bigger hotels out here they often quote mid 90% residency year round which doesn't seem likely

Maybe you're right ETS, about the figures coming from the larger hotels. That said, there are apparently similar increases in the figures for the "smaller hotels" - 7% compared to the same period last year.

By the way, please allow me to make a small correction to my earlier post (msg27) - I wrote for the month of "July" - that should have been June ... sorry.

[Robert157]

The Acapulco is fully booked till the end of July,
Who really knows how many people are coming and going

[sophie]

I was the Pia Bella Hotel yesterday and there was a special offer being advertised in Reception. 3 days half board 60tl per day. 5 days half board 50tl per day. If it hadn't been for the dogs, I would have signed up for the 5 days offer there and then. Cheaper than living at home and no need to shop, drive the car or anything. Great.

[susiesusie]

Sophie.surely it means pounds not tl.

[RAZR63]

I was the Pia Bella Hotel yesterday and there was a special offer being advertised in Reception. 3 days half board 60tl per day. 5 days half board 50tl per day. If it hadn't been for the dogs, I would have signed up for the 5 days offer there and then. Cheaper than living at home and no need to shop, drive the car or anything. Great.

If it is TL I will be booking in.....

[woodspeckie]

This is a special offer if you are staying there bed and breakfast you can upgrade to half board at this price.

[woodspeckie]

I was the Pia Bella Hotel yesterday and there was a special offer being advertised in Reception. 3 days half board 60tl per day. 5 days half board 50tl per day. If it hadn't been for the dogs, I would have signed up for the 5 days offer there and then. Cheaper than living at home and no need to shop, drive the car or anything. Great.

This is to upgrade to half board if you are staying bed and breakfast.

[Dalartokat]

Information supplied by Kyrenia Post.

According to official figures released, for the first six months of this year 1.9 millions passengers came through Ercan Airport along with 1.4 million kilograms of luggage and cargo. Compared to last year, figures show a 6 percent decrease in passenger numbers and an 18 percent drop in cargo and luggage.

According to Izzet Derkan a spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority, who publish the data - the cause of passenger and cargo decreases comes as a result of ticket prices, new cargo and wage law regulations in Turkey and economic instability.

Data released shows that in the first five months of 2019, 1,636,402 'foreigners' crossed from South to North Cyprus using the various border checkpoints, with the majority being Greek Cypriots, then British nationals.

Greek Cypriots 886,281;

British nationals 148,605;

Greek nationals 76,191;

Turkish Cypriots coming from the UK 18,826;

German nationals 50,367;

Romanian nationals 55,391;

American nationals 9,814;

Chinese nationals 4,031;

French nationals 20,632.