Northern Cyprus Breaks Pre-Pandemic Tourism Records

The winter season of 2026 has become a true breakthrough for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). According to data from the TRNC Department of Tourism Planning, published in the leading Turkish-Cypriot newspaper Kıbrıs, the region welcomed over 390,000 foreign tourists in January and February 2026. This figure represents an 18% increase compared to the same period last year and surpasses all pre-pandemic records.

Key Changes

Turkey remains the main source market, accounting for approximately 70% of all arrivals. Regular flights and ferry connections ensure a steady flow of visitors from the mainland.

The biggest surprise of the season was the sharp rise in European tourists, particularly from the United Kingdom and Germany. Major airlines have resumed winter charter flights to the modernized Ercan Airport, significantly expanding the geography of tourist arrivals.

Record Hotel Occupancy

Thanks to the increased tourist flow, the hotel sector in Kyrenia (Girne) showed outstanding results. The average hotel occupancy rate in January–February reached 68% — an unprecedented figure for the traditionally low winter season.

Preparing for Further Growth

To manage the growing number of visitors and eliminate queues at checkpoints, the TRNC authorities are accelerating the launch of a unified electronic visitor registration system (e-visa). The system is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.

For investors and those who want to benefit from Northern Cyprus’s tourism boom:

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