TRNC Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment Fikri Ataoglu announced this in an interview with Gundem Kibris TV. According to him, the lack of information from short-term rental owners makes it difficult to count the number of tourists. Currently, only hotels provide data on their guests.
The minister noted that about two million tourists arrive in the TRNC every year, including those who arrive by air and sea. This number does not include travelers arriving through the airports of the Republic of Cyprus and crossing the border through checkpoints.
The country has about 30,000 beds registered to accommodate tourists. However, according to the Cyprus-Turkey Building Contractors Association (Ktimb), there are about 50,000 short-term rental properties in Northern Cyprus, which increases the number of available beds to 80,000.
The minister plans to submit a new law to the Assembly of the Republic, which will oblige short-term rental owners to notify the authorities about their properties. This will allow for an accurate determination of the number of tourists and their expenses.
Fikri Ataoglu also noted that the new law will increase the treasury's income through taxes, and property owners will be able to rent out their homes with greater comfort. In addition, the ministry is working to reduce the operating costs of hotels, which will make accommodation prices more affordable.