Hande Tibuk: Cyprus is a Safe Destination

NET Holding Inc. Hande Tibuk, Board Member and General Coordinator, emphasized that Cyprus is a reliable destination in terms of tourism.

Hande Tibuk, who conveyed a strong message of confidence and investment in Cyprus tourism, stated that this perception of confidence is also reflected in the reservations, saying, “Initially, there was some apprehension due to the war environment, but afterwards it was understood that Cyprus is safe. As the Merit family, we have prepared for a very good season.”

Tibuk stated that they have been investing in Northern Cyprus since the mid-1990s, noting that investments intensified especially from 2000 onwards, and emphasized that the private sector should contribute to the development of the region where it is located. Tibuk conveyed the message that, "When a private sector company invests in a place, it also wants to make an effort to support the needs of that place, its community, and its environment."

"We have 8 hotels and 6 halls in the TRNC."

Providing information on current investments in Northern Cyprus, Hande Tibuk stated that the Merit family operates 8 hotels and 6 nightclubs in the TRNC. Tibuk said that Crystal Cove, one of the group's oldest hotels, has undergone a comprehensive renovation process and is targeted to reopen in its completely refurbished state in mid-summer.

Tibuk also announced that a new hotel project is in the planning stages in the same area, and stated that Northern Cyprus stands out as a safe destination despite the regional conditions.

Tibuk stated that this sense of security is also reflected in the reservations, saying, "Initially, there was some apprehension due to the war environment, but afterwards it became clear that Northern Cyprus is safe. As the Merit family, we have prepared for a very good season."

“Special emphasis on the Meritta Sea Turtle Center”

Hande Tibuk, who also touched upon Merit's environmental and sustainability efforts in the program, provided information about the Meritta Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, which was established in 2018.

Tibuk stated that Cyprus has a special importance in the Mediterranean for sea turtles, and explained that they had identified a lack of a rehabilitation center on the island and, accordingly, established a special center in the seaside garden of the Crystal Cove Hotel.

Tibuk stated that injured sea turtles are treated at the center, and that turtles found by fishermen or the coast guard are brought to the center, adding, "We provide our turtles with a kind of hospital service, even a hotel service."

Tibuk stated that the center's rehabilitation success rate is over 80 percent, adding that each rescued turtle is of great importance for the continuation of the species.

"Social responsibility must be internalized."

Hande Tibuk also emphasized in the program that corporate social responsibility should be seen not just as a duty, but as a natural part of the corporate culture.

Tibuk stated that when the private sector, public sector, and civil society organizations work together, more effective solutions can be produced for social problems. Expressing that they take responsibility in many areas, from education to health, from the environment to social support projects, Tibuk said that the Merit family aims to contribute not only to tourism but also to social life in Northern Cyprus.

Food waste and TİDER's work were also on the agenda.

Hande Tibuk, also mentioning the work carried out under the umbrella of TİDER, pointed out that one-third of the food produced in the world is wasted. Stating that they support those in need through a food banking model, as well as helping individuals become self-sufficient through employment projects, Tibuk expressed that their understanding of social assistance is based on sustainability with the words, "We distribute fish, but we also need to teach people how to fish."