No abstract

The development of tourism has recently emerged as a key factor for the remote Karpaz region of Northern Cyprus. Due to its relatively unspoilt nature and well-preserved traditional lifestyle, community tourism was chosen as the most appropriate product for the regional Northern Cyprus government. This research explores community tourism development in the Karpaz region and evaluates its sustainability by taking into consideration the needs, expectations and concerns of community residents. A qualitative methodological research approach was employed and the study found that there are significant conflicting attitudes between different community residents towards tourism development due to the cultural differences between Turkish settlers and Turkish Cypriot residents. It is concluded that the changing nature of the community due to the migrations from the mainland constitutes both a significant opportunity and threat for the sustainability of the social and cultural identity of Northern Cyprus in terms of its real and imagined "Cypriotness".