e-Review of Tourism Research (eRTR), Vol. 5, No. 2, 2007 http://ertr.tamu.edu 37 Salih T. Katircioglu Eastern Mediterranean University Huseyin Arasli Eastern Mediterranean University Erdogan H. Ekiz Hong Kong Polytechnic University Trends in Tourism in North Cyprus: A Historical Perspective Tourism is a fast growing industry in the world and will continue to be a major source of foreign exchange for the countries. North Cyprus has its own state, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is not internationally recognized other than mainland, the Republic of Turkey. Improving tourism industry was also at the agenda of the economic targets that have been set by “Five Year Development Plans” (FYDP) in North Cyprus since 1978. But, these programs were not successful to bring an improvement and achieve sustainable development in the sector over the years. The study aims to put forward the developments in the tourism industry of North Cyprus since 1974. It seems that a solution to the Cyprus problem will be a sole remedy for Turkish Cypriots in achieving their economic welfare. Key words: Political Isolation, Non-recognition, Five Year Development Plans, Tourism Master Plan, North Cyprus. By Salih T. Katircioglu, PhD Vice Chair Department of Banking and Finance Faculty of Business and Economics Eastern Mediterranean University Gazimagusa, KKTC Mersin 10, TURKEY salihk@emu.edu.tr Huseyin Arasli, PhD Associate Professor School of Tourism and Hospitality Management Eastern Mediterranean University Gazimagusa, KKTC Mersin 10, TURKEY huseyin.arasli@emu.edu.tr