Britons are scrapping their travel plans to Cyprus amid escalating military activities in the region, despite assurances from locals and politicians that the area is secure.
While the UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced the deployment of the Type 45 Destroyer to the Mediterranean following a drone incident at RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, there is no official travel advisory from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) against visiting Cyprus.
Although no significant damage or further attacks have occurred in Cyprus since the recent drone incidents, concerns among tourists persist. Local businesses report a decline in bookings, with some travelers opting to cancel their trips. Business owner Vassilis Georgiou mentioned that visitors are having second thoughts about their travel plans due to the current situation.
Despite some cancellations reported by hotel owner Nick Aristou, Agia Napa Municipal Secretary Fotos Kikillos downplayed the impact, emphasizing the safety and enjoyment experienced by tourists in the region.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, representing independent travel agents in the UK, noted a temporary increase in cancellations to Cyprus but mentioned that the trend has stabilized. She highlighted a shift in travel preferences towards destinations like Spain, the islands, Greece, and Portugal.
Cyprus’s foreign minister, Constantinos Kombos, reassured tourists that the situation in Cyprus is normal and urged travelers not to cancel their trips. French President Emmanuel Macron also pledged support for Cyprus by dispatching additional warships to the Eastern Mediterranean to enhance regional security amidst the ongoing Iran conflict.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Royal Navy deployed HMS Dragon to Cyprus following the recent drone attacks. Travelers planning trips to Cyprus are advised to check the latest travel advice from the FCDO.