The government has announced that a survey is to be conducted to collect data from visitors arriving in North Cyprus. The project will include questions on visitors’ reasons for visiting the island, their length of stay and the style of accommodation booked. The survey, to be held under the umbrella of the Planning, Statistical and Research Branch of the Tourism Planning Department that is part of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, is due to start at TRNC border gates, air and sea ports from 1st April to 31st December. A press release from the Ministry Press Office, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism states that the survey will also gain detailed data on the travel aims of TRNC citizens who go abroad. It is expected that 750,000 forms prepared as two different types will be completed.
The forms will request answers to questions such as the nationality of the passengers, their age, sex, profession, travel aims, accommodation style and accommodation period and they are being prepared in two different types for air and sea ports and for border gates. The forms will be completed by all passengers during the period of the survey though TRNC citizens and Greek Cypriots are exempt. During the nine month period of study the Tourism Planning Department expects the full support of the Police General Directorate, Civil Aviation Authorities, the Ports Department and the employees of the airline and maritime companies.