People are thinking twice': Cyprus feels the effect of the Iran war on tourism

"Until last weekend's US-led offensive against Iran, Georgiou was betting on another bumper year. That's far from certain now, he said, cupping his eyes against the setting sun. It may be early days but I've been here since 1992 and suddenly hoteliers are saying bookings are down. People are thinking twice."

"No place in Europe, or indeed the Mediterranean, is set to feel the impact of the conflict unfolding across the horizon more than Cyprus. The tourist-dependent nation, the EU's nearest member to the Middle East, attracted 4 million visitors last year, a third of them Britons for whom the former colony is an old favourite."

"Amid Iran's retaliatory attacks, a drone launched by pro-Iranian militia hit the British base of RAF Akrotiri in the early hours of Monday, placing Cyprus firmly in the risk zone and prompting the cancellation of many flights from east and west. As sirens at the base continued to sound in the following days, the British Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Cyprus to say that terrorist attacks could not be ruled out."

Cyprus, the EU's closest member to the Middle East, is experiencing tourism concerns following recent Iran-related military tensions. A drone attack on RAF Akrotiri prompted the British Foreign Office to update travel warnings, citing potential terrorist threats. The island nation, which welcomed 4 million visitors last year including many British tourists, now faces flight cancellations and booking declines. Local business operators, including water sports entrepreneurs in Ayia Napa, report uncertainty about the season ahead. Despite officials noting that life remains safe and tourists continue visiting, the travel industry shows signs of hesitation, with cancellations reported at major trade fairs.

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