TRNC. Why should Tourists come here?

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 13:31

Thousands of people read this forum for information about the TRNC. Many of them are looking to holiday here and want to know why they should holiday here.



Lets have some positive responses as to why people should come here to spend their vacation.

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 13:37

Because it is the jewel of the med.

The weather is fantastic and the locals are as frienfly as ever.



The only drawback is some of the expats complaints but then that is what most of the holiday makers are used to so not that much odf an issue really.



To put it in perspective IMO, the expats who live here are usually frustrated about the cost of living and the issues that arise from living here permanently, this would not affect tourists so come and see for yourself.



I have lived in many places and I still love to wake up every morning and look out over my pool to either the mountains or the sea, it justs lifts the heart to live inb such a beautiful place.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 13:41

Tourists are going nowhere at the moment, in or out!



Richard

luvincyprus



Joined: 03/12/2009
Posts: 96

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 15:06

Tourists should visit Northern Cyprus because We have Luvely weather ,



because we have perfect sea and sand.



because Cypriot people are very friendly,



Cyprus is outstanding Island , plus cheaper than most of the other places.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 15:07

Richard. There are millions of people that go on holiday every year - recession or not.



What are the POSITIVES of coming here?

Chelpet


Joined: 10/03/2010
Posts: 253

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 15:24

I first came to the Island a couple of years ago as a tourist, basically because we know a lot of TC`s in UK and heard so much about the place, I have been a fair way around this globe and have found the TC`s are amongst the friendliest people we have met, this combined with being out of the Euro zone which makes it cheaper all round (apart from the electricity).

We have found tourists when they come here are suddenly struck with a madness, which finds them like lemmings swarming around temples called estate agents, we nearly fell into this trap the first time, until common sense prevailed and we went away and did our homework, talked to locals and Ex-pats, read up on forums like this one, before taking the plunge and buying out there, its no good the more knowledgeable of you saying you rent before buying as it is not always practicable doing that when buying a holiday home, but now we have done so far not sorry, and friends and family (who have appeared out of the woodwork) love it.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 16:33

Sun, sea, good food, reasonable prices, excellent restaurants, history, mountains, castles, walks, nice people. And that's just for a starter.



Chris

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 16:37

Bill

You missed the point, no one is traveling due to no air crafts are airborne!



Richard

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 16:57

Paul



"the expats who live here are usually frustrated about the cost of living"... I never quite understand this one.. you are right they do moan but really it's about the cheapest place I can think of outside of third-world locations.



What is it that ex-pats find to moan about with regards the cost of living? What are they spending money on that's so expensive? I just don't get it... somebody please enlighten me...

Stewart


Joined: 19/07/2008
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 16:58

Weather and sea is too warm, sand too hot, beer too cold, everyone is to friendly, ....best keep away

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 19:02

Richard. DOH! Sorry.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 20:12

Message 10

I couldn't have put it better myself.

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 21:08

We first came to Cyprus about 12 years ago. Previously we had been to the south.

I think it was something like a mystery that tempted us to the north. We were told it was like stepping back in time, and that connected with the 'unknown' an illegal country and lots of other stories made us curious.

We arrived in the dark into Ercan where armed soldiers were seen on the runway. The journey over the mountains - then past the army barracks - in-between 50 gallon drums, and then long downhill stretch on a windy road, in the dark was not good.

Past a cemetery up to our holiday home for the next two weeks.

During our first stay there we were more than delighted with everywhere we went & everything we saw. The places, the people...it would be unkind to say it was better than anywhere else we had stayed, because it was miles and miles better. The people and the places are a treasure - yes a bloody treasure!!!

North Cyprus is a jewel, a gem, paradise found, and only five hours flight

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
17/04/2010 21:16

Blackbird. Great advertisement for the TRNC.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 08:18

Bill,



Its a long way from the UK and what with the touch down in Turkey, its also a long journey.....



The flights are expensive, and when tourists get here, they are confrunted by little infrastructure, dirty litter strewn beaches and builders rubble dumped everywhere......



Pound for pound, it is cheaper and quicker to fly to a holiday resort in Turkey - once there the place is much cleaner, probably cheaper and the Gov't has invested in making the place look like a true holiday destination....



Let me know if i've missed anything....

Geoff


Joined: 25/06/2008
Posts: 1370

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 08:22

Re Msg 15: You've missed out the facts!

Geoff

Famagusta City

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 09:54

I tell tourists.



Find the right spot & locals and it's nearly idyllic - we try to offer more intersting tours to get them to visit.

http://www.iah-holidays.co.uk

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 10:00

They say: 'First impresssions count' - so it depends on each individual's take on the joint!

loslobos


Joined: 02/04/2009
Posts: 167

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 10:04

I believe the biggest single factor that puts of holiday makers is the flight cost and hassle associated

with getting to Northern Cyprus. If this is eventually sorted out then tourism and hence the TRNC economy will take off. Perhaps the expats don't want this though.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 10:54

Best to ask tourists themselves .

We can go on all day saying how unspoilt it is and how beautiful the beaches are,but at the end of the day the only true opinion can be got from a tourist who has no vested interest in talking the place up or down,but just came for a holiday.

Maybe the Tourist Board could have comment cards at airports for only tourists,people with more than 3 entry visa excluded, build on the good points and work on eradicating the bad points.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 11:12

girne29 thats a very good idea. The majority of tourists I ask whom are on thier first visit love it and would come back x

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 12:05

I am really disappointed with some of the comments on this subject.

Bill asked for POSITIVE comments.

Everyone who either lives there - or has visited on holiday knows what North Cyprus is like. It is very, very easy to pick holes!!!

For us Alsancak is good - Benidorm is not. Walking around the fabulously pretty harbour is better than having to 'stay on the complex'!!!

The choice of succulent restaurants is much better than walking down the strip looking for best value English fish and chips.

Where else has a Blue House?

What other country comes with a recent history? And has the charm, the mystic? Where else do you get a welcome...Hosgeldininz - apologies for the spelling?

I agree it's not for everyone...but at least there are no Union Jack shorts!!!

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 12:14

Damn, now I have to go and change my shorts and I suppose I should take the hankie off my head.

You are right though Blackbird, I think personally that it is a wonderful place and so do the majority of people I speak to but there are always going to be nay-sayers.

The only problem that I can see with getting more and more tourists is that eventually it will pop up on the trouble makers radar, you know the ones that go on vacation to get as drunk and obnoxious as possible because they are not at home and think they can get away with it.

It has now reached that point in middle eastern countries because they tried so hard to increase the tourism and then started doing direct flights which made it cheap and easy to get there and then do whatever you want, always trying to use the excuse "but, I didn't know" when they get caught.

IMO if it can be avoided here things can only get better.

Paul

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 12:30

Blackbird, You're so right. We too holidayed first in the South. Having heard the Greek Cypriots decrying the Turkish Cypriots.....like a prison camp.....everywhere surrounded by barbed wire.....they tried to kill us....soldiers everywhere.....its a third world country. We decided to find out ourselves, being dissatisfied with happenings in the UK.

We came, we stayed, we're satisfied, It's a good sane place, far from the UK asylum taken over by the lunatics. Every year family and friends come to visit and end up with a great experience and keep coming back.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 12:34

Peter. Message 22. Thanks for reminding everyone. I was looking for the Positives. Not the Negatives, Nick!

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 13:00

Paul, more people visiting will always increase the possibility of attracting more of the undesirable element. But I guess that might have already happened with the opening of the border.

We saw a little of that whilst in Peteks last time we were over there.

However, if the NC tourist board don't encourage the 18 to 30/all inclusive type packages, and promote all that is good over there, trouble could be kept to a minimum.

skybluesam


Joined: 24/12/2008
Posts: 447

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 13:32

We have been reminded twice in recent days how lovely it can be here, firstly a trip to the pan-handle, lovely clear sea, golden beach, nice lunch and fab scenery, secondly a day trip west, Mavi Kosk followed by a drive through blossom scented Guzelyurt, on to vouni palace for spectacular views followed by a lovely lunch by the sea.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself to relise how lucky I am to live here.

Bring it on!!!

Nick (the positive one!)

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 16:35

Good positive post Nick.

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 16:45

Yea nice one Nick. Earlier this morning I queued to go to B&Q so that I can fix the letter box on the front door. It was nice and sunny, and now, because we are having a BBQ the sun has gone and the wind is cold.

Where is best?

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 17:12

Blackbird you sum it up so well, you should apply for tourism minister, you would do a far better job xxxx

Geoff


Joined: 25/06/2008
Posts: 1370

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 18:05

Re Msg 22: When you ask for comments you can't ask for just one type of comment. You must expect all sorts of comments, some may seem negative to you, some might seem positive. The idea of a forum is to put all comments into the pot and then, hopefully, arrive at a concencus.

Geoff

Famagusta City

cyprusairsoft



Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 2066

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 22:16

sun wild flowers fantastic views people culture way of life good food good health

not so expensive

no gordon brown wait for the reacgtion to that one!

bo tox

dentists

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 22:28

Please people,its been a terrible time for tourism.Can we at least wait to see if tourism situation can be turned round before arrogantly talking about who we want and dont want to come.Any young people would definately not want to visit a place inhabited by such snobs.There has been a few instances of Brits letting the side down, and they were definately not 'easyjet' visitors.

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 22:35

I'm not sure if you are referring to my statement as arrogant but I suppose it vcould be interpreted that way for which I should amend the statement.

I was merely referring to the bad pennies that can and will show up if the country becomes a huge tourist destination.

My daughter was the first person to point out to me that the people selling package holidays will never tell the customers that they can't go out and get drunk every night and abuse local customs even when they know it to be true.

I love coming here every time and hate having to leave but I could say that about other places in the past that were ruined when they became more available to the uncontrolled sort of tourist.

I hope it doesn't happen but then it is and always will be out of my hands.



Paul

horselover


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 129

Message Posted:
18/04/2010 23:21

i took my friend last winter and it chucked it down, thunder n lightinin, so she coudnt sun bathe or swim, but she still loved it n cant wait to come back. its coz the scenery is amazing. the stormy weather over the mountains was lovely to watch.nature is amazin, and north cyprus has it all

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
19/04/2010 01:17

Re message 31. I agree with you that this type of forum, with suggested themes, should attract all manner of comments that of course will be varied - sometimes controversial. However in this instance Bill did specifically ask for positive comments so that people reading the thread might be persuaded to spend there vacation in Northern Cyprus. Negative comments will not achieve this!

Maybe start another thread.............?

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
19/04/2010 08:48

Blackbird



You are right ,the thread did ask for only positive comments.So maybe we should have another thread 'What can be done to attract tourists', which would have less to do with why we came here and more to do with attracting tourists.

Loads of places have nice weather and hills.We should try and think of the things that are unique to here,



As for being negative, Well if suggesting cleaning the place up ,especially the beaches,shouldnt be mentioned then we are not being serious about attracting tourists.

Dooyoo,and Holidays Uncovered etc give an idea of what tourists think

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
19/04/2010 09:56

girne 29. Start a new thread if you wish.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
19/04/2010 10:14

Northern Cyprus , the tranquillity , the natural rawness and beauty , the peace and quite , the friendliness and hospitality of the people, the weather , the uncrowded unspoilt beaches , the beautiful crystal clear turquoise sea , the great fresh fish restaurants , the history , the ancient sites , the relaxed pace of life .............

ooooh , i wish i was there now , Simbas

tsmlion


Joined: 17/08/2009
Posts: 39

Message Posted:
19/04/2010 15:20

The less tourists the better as far as I'm concerned.



Look what they did to the South.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
19/04/2010 15:23

tsmlion. I can understand your remarks however the local businesses over here rely on tourism.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
19/04/2010 15:53

RE msg 40, tsmlion: (...) The less tourists the better as far as I'm concerned. (...)

=> Do you mean: "The less wrong kind of tourists etc..?" What is wrong with people who come here to enjoy the country and its special cultural attractions? Which indeed excludes Kyrenia harbour where very wrong tourists etc etc

tsmlion


Joined: 17/08/2009
Posts: 39

Message Posted:
19/04/2010 18:00

I regularly split holidays between the North and the South.......a week in each.



The contrast is staggering and I pray the North never goes down that route.



No1Doyen.....................if you get the hordes arriving then you will get more businesses saying they rely on the tourism. It will be never ending until you turn around and you see a carbon copy of pafos or ayia napa. Business is a simple case of supply and demand. Don't over supply the current volume and the businesses won't struggle. I see there are at least 5 new boats in Kyrenia harbour this year.............WHY? That is a recipe for disaster.



DutchCrusader..............Yes I suppose it is directed at the wrong kind of tourist...........those that wear football shirts and go looking for the cheapest place to get wasted.



To the people talking about more tourists etc.........I just say be careful what you wish for.

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
19/04/2010 21:59

It cant be too bad in the south tsmlion?

We too have holidayed in the south and had a lovely time

littlejohn


Joined: 09/03/2009
Posts: 316

Message Posted:
20/04/2010 02:44

The attraction used to be the simplicity and uniqueness of the country despite the litter, lack of infrastructure etc.

In the 60s and 70s it was idyllic.

Tourism has not changed that!

It's the increase in ex pats and the building "boom"that followed.

Plus the greed and arrogance of the London Turks who make their pile in the UK and return to lord it over the locals.

I've run into both types and some of you are a complete disgrace.



You can't leave anything alone!!!

And before some smart arse starts, just remember TRNC has been subject to embargoes for decades so they are unable to trade and have been unfairly victimised by the rest of the world - including UK - so they do not have the cash to provide you lot with the improvements you keep whinging about..

And stop trying to make out you are there to help the TRNC economy!

I would still recommend TRNC to any one with the proviso they avoid the majority of you lot and your constant bickering !!

Oilman


Joined: 19/09/2008
Posts: 225

Message Posted:
20/04/2010 20:47

Wouldn't live anywhere else by choice!

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
21/04/2010 10:38

Littlejohn



Qoute - "In the 60s and 70s it was idyllic". So was the vast majority of the world, including the UK. !!



Time doesn't stand still and like it or not 'progress' is an unstoppable force.



I assume from your comments that you don't live here so I think that to comment derogatively on ex-pats who have invested hard earned money in this place is a bit rich. So sorry if their choice to live here has 'spoilt' your holiday destination. Maybe you should try to find another 'unspoilt' and 'idyllic' corner of the world and take yourself there instead. I fear your search may be a fruitless one.



Paul

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
21/04/2010 11:03

As a youngster, which is what littlejohn would have been in the 60,s, we went to seaside resorts in the uk and thought they were wonderful, sadly things do change, and not always for the better. Speaking for myself I find his comments offensive and arrogant, but that is the norm for him I'm afraid. I live in TRNC, we came here because we love the peace and tranquility, the wonderful people, the way of life, of course it's not perfect, nowhere is, but this is where we have chosen to spend our final years, we pay our taxes etc and put money into the economy every day, not a couple of times a year.

I would like this person to tell me what type of person he thinks should be able to visit this beautiful island, and what type does he say are a disgrace. If we don't come up to your standards littlejohn then please, feel free to go elsewhere, I doubt you would be missed, except for the chip on your shoulder, just who do you think you are ?

trnclion


Joined: 25/04/2009
Posts: 61

Message Posted:
21/04/2010 11:46

Message 40: Are you the TSM from HOF? Spoke with Bird recently and she told me you had a place here.



Regards

Trnclion

Aka Sallywebstersnipples

tsmlion


Joined: 17/08/2009
Posts: 39

Message Posted:
21/04/2010 15:36

Yes.



I've only just started the process of buying.



Where are you based?

littlejohn


Joined: 09/03/2009
Posts: 316

Message Posted:
22/04/2010 02:25

Message48 - I'm actually the same age as you and served in the forces - christ knows why I bothered when I listen to you lot..

I still think you have spoilt the place and are continuing to do so.

And the "progress" talked about is progress to suit Brits.

As for investing hard earned cash message 47- you are all out to feather your own nests and few of you give a toss about the TRNC or its people .

I have no chip - I just dislike the arrogant, ignorant Brits I see on my trips to TRNC.Turkey,Spain,Malta.....and in the UK.

Just take a look in one of your "pubs"?

Keep up the good work.

End of subject.

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
22/04/2010 08:46

Its even better now LJ you can get lots of British beer here now, and they have karaoke in a lot of bars. They have fish and chip shops and bacon and sausage are sold in every supermarket.

They even take British pounds saves the hassle of changing money.

Wish you were here

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
22/04/2010 10:54

littlejohn/Msg 51:



By the repetitive tone of your postings, castigating your countrymen, some Brits might detect a slight (but only slight!) tone of jealousy - but, no worries, nothing that most would notice, mind!

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
22/04/2010 11:11

I did ask for positive posts so please can we keep to that.

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
23/04/2010 03:12

...How to win friends eh LJ???