Cyprus Tourism Rebounds despite Sanctions-hit Russia Plunge

Hoping to draw tourists to Cyprus this summer, officials cite the "open-air lifestyle, abundance of personal space" and clean air. Petros Karadjias/AP

Beside sparkling Mediterranean waters at the Cypriot resort town of Ayia Napa, the bars are bouncing with foam dance parties as tourist numbers rebound following two tough years of pandemic.

But one key nationality is effectively missing: Russian visitors, as the once lucrative market has been hit by European Union sanctions imposed after Moscow invaded Ukraine, AFP said.