Cyprus-Forum.com

[Oracle]

Country decides to call off participation in Israel's annual travel expo after organizers allow northern Cypriot company to attend

Barring any last minutes changes, for the first time in 15 years Cyprus will be boycotting Israel's tourism fair, the International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) which opens in Tel Aviv on Wednesday.

Cyprus announced it would not participate in the event after organizers agreed to allow the participation of a delegation from Turkish-ruled Northern Cyprus.

Lior Gelfand, one of the fair's organizers told Ynet that the Israeli hosts were aware that the issue could be potentially sensitive and demanded that the company, listed as North Cyprus Tourism Center, refrain from displaying symbols of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on its promotional material.

However, once Cyprus learned of the northern Cypriot company's plan to attend the exposition, it decided to withdraw from the event in response. A letter sent to the Israeli Foreign Ministry by the Cyprus Israel Friendship Association warned that the incident could significantly jeopardize the relations between the two countries.

Gelfand said he was surprised by Cyprus' decision. "In other truism fairs, such as ITB in Berlin and WTM in London, there are regularly representatives from both countries and the Cypriots have no dispute with the organizers.

According to Gelfand, the cooperation with Cyprus in the event is usually excellent. "The Cypriots have been attending the fair for 15 years, and they do wonderful things every year. They are literally one of the event's focal points."

He also expressed hope that the country would change its mind and agree to attend the fair after all.

Relations between Israel and Cyprus have been strained lately, after several ships carrying aid for the Gaza Strip have left Cyprus despite Israel's objection.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340 ... 12,00.html

Israel biting off its nose to spite its face ...... :roll:

[CBBB]

Or is it Cyprus that is "biting off its nose to spite its face" with all the dire predictions about tourism this year?

[Oracle]

Or is it Cyprus that is "biting off its nose to spite its face" with all the dire predictions about tourism this year?

As a newbie Cypriot, you are forgiven for failing to comprehend the importance of such a decision by Cyprus!

If we ever fall into the trap, of placing tourism above our national, historic and political (fate of the displaced GCs) interests, then we surely would have been unduly negatively influenced by the bazaar-ing Turks amongst us!

No CBBB, tourism can go to hell .... we do not take lightly, nor invite to our homeland, those who would reject International Law, and allow such outrageous flouting by Turkish criminals, the banner of a stolen and "Turkish-Ruled Northern Cyprus".

Do we want such flagrant outlaws as the Israelis to grace our beaches?

[miltiades]

Cyprus ' decision is correct .

[YFred]

Cyprus ' decision is correct .

I agree, but for the wrong reason. It has the same outcome.

[CBBB]

Cyprus ' decision is correct .

North Cyprus Tourism Centre Ltd EM140

From :-

http://www.wtmlondon.com/page.cfm

"Staged annually in London, World Travel Market".

And these participated also in 2008:-


CYPRUS HOTEL ASSOCIATION EM905

Cyprus Paradise EM140

Cyprus Premier Holidays EM140

Cyprus Rural Tourism EM940

Cyprus Tourism Organisation EM905

Cyprus Turkish Airlines EM140

Cyprus Turkish Tourism & Travel Agents' Associatio EM140

Cyprus Turkish Tourist Guides Association EM140

Czech Tourist Authority - CzechTourism EM2030