Newsroom
While news of a drone strike at RAF Akrotiri last month made headlines, tourists arriving in Cyprus are discovering a very different reality: sunny skies, empty beaches, and a warm welcome from locals and resort staff, says a report from the BBC.
John Jones from Queensferry, North Wales, is one of them. Lounging by a glistening pool at a resort a few miles from Ayia Napa, he says he and his family are loving the calm, quiet atmosphere. “They keep giving me free beer,” John jokes, as he picks another cold lager from a passing server. “We knew the drone had hit the British base, but it didn’t put us off at all. People here are so friendly and generous. We’ve got no worries, no problems.”
Down on the beach, Swiss couple Alexandra and Jehiel have found the tranquility a welcome change from their original plans to travel to Thailand. “Our families were most stressed about this,” Alexandra says, noting the worry caused by the conflict. But after arriving, they were reassured by locals and taxi drivers that the island is safe. “It’s been a good time to chill,” Jehiel adds, reclining on a sun lounger and surveying the near-empty sand. Nightlife is quieter than usual, only a couple of bars were open when they ventured into Ayia Napa, but the couple says the trade-off of peace and space is worth it.
Cyprus’ tourism industry, which welcomed a record-breaking 4.5 million visitors last year, did see a wave of cancellations after the drone strike, particularly in the first 48 hours. Chryso Tsokkou, director of Tsokkos Hotels and Resorts, said some travelers postponed trips while others booked new stays. “All hotels are open,” she says. “It was not normal, but it was expected. Tourism is resuming, and the new season will start in April and May as usual.”
Philokypros Roussounides of Cyprus’ Chamber of Commerce cautions that perception can affect tourism more than geography. “The island is not directly affected by the conflict, but travel decisions are sensitive to regional stability,” he notes.
Locals are continuing life as normal, with villages near RAF Akrotiri now reopening after an evacuation order was lifted. Residents and visitors alike report a sense of calm and normalcy. British ex-pat Victoria O’ffe, relaxing poolside, says the perception of Cyprus being in the crossfire is far from reality. “If we didn’t have access to British TV, we wouldn’t even know it’s happening,” she says. “The weather’s fantastic, the food’s fantastic, why would you not come here?”
For visitors like John, Alexandra, and Jehiel, Cyprus is serving up sunshine, safety, and, in John’s case, free beer. It’s a reminder that sometimes the headlines don’t match the holiday experience.
*Source: BBC
