The “2nd Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism Panel in the TRNC,” organized by the Tourism Research, Application and Development Center of Altınbaş Cyprus University (World Peace University) as part of the April 15–22 Tourism Week activities, was hosted at the Yunus Emre Institute in Nicosia.
The panel’s opening speech was delivered by Mrs. Sibel Tatar, wife of President Ersin Tatar. The session was moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Elif Şenyücel, Director of the Tourism Research, Application and Development Center at Altınbaş Cyprus University (World Peace University).
The panel featured contributions from Mine Emiroğlu, Director of the Tourism Promotion and Marketing Department; Emine Ziba, Director of the Department of Antiquities and Museums; and Mazlum Kortaş, Director of the Tourism Planning Department.
The panel commenced with a speech by Asst. Prof. Dr. Behiye Çavuşoğlu, Vice-Rector of Altınbaş Cyprus University (World Peace University). She emphasized the significance of academic events like this during Tourism Week for the development of the tourism sector. Çavuşoğlu highlighted the crucial role of universities in preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism, affirming that Altınbaş Cyprus University (World Peace University) would continue to support scientific and sectoral initiatives in this field.
Following this, Mrs. Sibel Tatar delivered her opening address, noting that Tourism Week provides an important opportunity to raise public awareness about tourism and strengthen the promotion of cultural values. She stressed that establishing a strong vision for tourism contributes significantly to the national economy and emphasized that Northern Cyprus possesses a rich cultural heritage that must be properly promoted. Tatar offered recommendations such as the development of open-air museums, increasing the number of museums, and extending visiting hours. She also underlined the tourism value of Cypriot gastronomy, Turkish Cypriot folk music, and traditional folk dances.
In her remarks, Tatar additionally highlighted several environment and culture projects conducted under the auspices of the Presidency, drawing particular attention to “Zero Waste” initiatives aimed at promoting recycling and environmental awareness.
Following her speech, Mrs. Tatar was presented with a commemorative plaque, and the panel session commenced.
Panel Session
Tourism’s Contribution to the Economy and Promotion Strategies
Mine Emiroğlu, Director of the Tourism Promotion and Marketing Department, emphasized that tourism is one of the leading sectors of the national economy. She provided insights into ongoing promotion and marketing activities within the framework of sustainable tourism, highlighting the importance of enhancing the TRNC’s visibility in international tourism markets. Emiroğlu also shared strategies contributing to sector development, including promotional activities conducted in Turkey and other countries.
Cultural Heritage Preservation and the Role of Museums
Emine Ziba, Director of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, provided information on efforts to preserve cultural heritage and transmit it to future generations. Ziba emphasized that museums serve not only as exhibition spaces but also as centers for education and cultural awareness, playing a key role in sustainable tourism development.
Current Challenges in Tourism and Proposed Solutions
Mazlum Kortaş, Director of the Tourism Planning Department, addressed current challenges facing the tourism sector and proposed solutions. He highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism planning, noting that infrastructure development, strategic planning, and sectoral collaboration are decisive factors in the growth of tourism.
The panel concluded after a Q&A session, and the event was recognized as an important academic and sectoral gathering contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of sustainable tourism within the framework of Tourism Week.
