In the TRNC, was surprised at the cost of renting the country's stand at the tourist exhibition in Moscow

A delegation from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus participated in the 30th International Tourism and Hospitality Industry Exhibition in Moscow. For participating in the forum, which took place in the Russian capital from March 19th to 21st, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment of the TRNC will pay over 43,000 euros.

According to "Cyprus Post," the North Cyprus stand at the "MITT Moscow" tourism fair cost the budget 43,200 euros. Additionally, the fee for electricity connection and the use of a stand with an area of 70 square meters amounted to another 2,634 euros.

According to the decision published in the "Official Gazette," the cost of the Northern Cyprus delegation's participation in the Moscow fair will be covered under the category "Promotion, Hospitality, Ceremonies, Fairs, Organizational Expenses" of the Tourism Development and Promotion Fund within the 2024 budget from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment.

The cost of participation in the exhibition sparked heated discussions among TRNC parliamentarians. Devrim Barchin, a deputy from the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), reacted to the stand fee of 43,200 euros, making a statement on his social media page.

"I really can't understand how one can pay 43,200 euros just for the construction of the stand, not even for the rental of the space. What is so special about this stand?" Devrim Barchin wrote.

MITT is the International Tourism and Hospitality Industry Exhibition, which has been held in Moscow for 29 years. It is an international business platform for countries, regions, and companies from around the world to showcase their products and services in the Russian market.

This year, the Association of Cypriots-Turks and Tour Operators (KITSAB) participated in the forum. An extensive North Cyprus stand was presented at the MITT-2024 exhibition, organized by the TRNC Vice Prime Minister and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment. The TRNC delegation included the Vice President of the association, Oguz Akanchay, the Secretary-General, Gokalp Alpler, and the board member, Fetih Ozbogach.