Sami Özuslu: Direct Routes Between Antalya-Limassol and Marmaris-Larnaca!

Özuslu pointed out that while North Cyprus is experiencing one of its worst periods in tourism, there is increasing collaboration in the tourism sector between Turkey and Southern Cyprus, which do not formally open their air and sea ports to one another.

"Despite the supposed non-recognition between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus, cruise ships are now traveling directly between ports in Turkey and Southern Cyprus," Özuslu said. He cited examples of cruise routes tracked via satellite that clearly show ships traveling from Antalya to Limassol, Marmaris to Larnaca, and Alanya to Limassol.

He gave an example of the cruise ship Marella Discovery, which left Limassol on October 2 and arrived in Antalya on the morning of October 3.

Özuslu further criticized the Turkish, Greek, and Greek Cypriot tourism sectors for working together, while Turkish Cypriots remain sidelined. He noted that despite previous promises by officials in North Cyprus that cruise ships would come to Famagusta and Kyrenia, the ships continue to dock only in ports like Limassol, Larnaca, and Ayia Napa, departing from Turkish ports.

In his statement, he also questioned the leaders of North Cyprus, including President Ersin Tatar and Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, asking whether they are aware of this situation and what steps, if any, they have taken regarding the issue.