Two British tourists who visited the Cypriot resort town of Protaras during the off-season have said they would 'return in an instant', despite a reported 40% decline in hotel bookings amid regional conflict.
Mark and Judy, who run the YouTube channel Gypsy Souls, enjoyed a peaceful, crowd-free stroll along the main strip 'days before the tourists arrive'. They noted that local businesses were 'coming out of hibernation' and opening for the season, though many bars and restaurants were still closed.
The couple eventually found an open bar called the Greenery, where Mark had a pint and they shared a kebab and chips. Judy pointed out that some recommended venues were not yet open, but expressed hope that more would open during their stay.
Hotel bookings to Cyprus have fallen by 40% following the conflict in Iran, which has involved US and Israeli-led military action and retaliatory strikes. A pro-Iranian militia also launched a drone attack on RAF Akrotiri, a British base in Cyprus.
Despite the drop in tourism, Mark and Judy told the Mirror: 'We had a wonderful holiday and would return in an instant.' Around a third of Cyprus's tourists are British, with four million international visitors expected in 2025.
