Are you in Cyprus ? Give us your view on the deal . The financial uncertainty in Cyprus is generating images of long lines at ATM machines and anti-European Union protests . It 's a far cry from the promotional images of azure waters and happy holidaymakers used to attract tourists . As debt-laden Cyprus labors to meet requirements for a 10 billion euro ( $ 13B ) rescue package , a downturn in tourism is probably the last thing it needs . Greek tourism took a hit during last year 's political uncertainty there -- and the U.S. State Department website still carries a warning for U.S. citizens visiting Greece to avoid demonstrations . In a December report , Cyprus ' central bank attributed a 4.1 % increase in tourist arrivals in the first 10 months of 2012 , in part to `` the negative geopolitical conditions in competitor Mediterranean countries . '' Protests in Cyprus have so far not resulted in violence , so , in the build up to the vacation season in Europe , how will its tourism sector fare ? Read more : Should I cancel my vacation to Greece ? ( 2012 ) Orestis Rossides , the UK director of the Cyprus Tourism Organization , said tourism accounted for roughly 12 % of Cyprus ' GDP , with Britons making up about 40 % of overseas visitors . Rossides pointed out that Cyprus held the EU presidency in the second part of 2012 and had a `` European tourism infrastructure . '' He said ATM machines at Larnaca and Paphos international airports -- and all tourist resorts -- were working normally . `` The reports we get from several major Cyprus hotels with a good international reputation is that business is conducted as usual , '' he said . Nonetheless British travel association ABTA spokesman Sean Tipton said the crisis and `` largely inaccurate reports of ATMs running out of money '' would be impacting bookings . `` The reality for holidaymakers is that everything is running normally , though ABTA would advise taking a supply of euros plus credit cards as a safeguard , '' he said . `` Last year reports concerning Greece leaving the euro also had a short term effect on bookings but these returned strongly over the rest of the year and we would anticipate that bookings to Cyprus will also bounce back quickly . '' Read more : EU bailouts a vehicle to kick the weak ? UK-based tour and travel company Thomas Cook also said it had not received any reports of concern from hoteliers or guests in Cyprus . `` Our team in Cyprus have told us that ATMs are working as normal and shops and restaurants continue to accept payment cards , '' a spokesman said . `` Our recommendation to travelers is to ensure they take a mix of currency and payment cards , including pre-paid currency cards . '' The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said ATMs , debit and credit cards could be used as normal while Cypriot banks were closed but advised `` taking sufficient euros to cover the duration of your stay , alongside appropriate security precautions against theft . '' Germany 's foreign office also suggested travelers consider increasing the amount of cash they carried with them . Read more : Russia bails on Cyprus . Simon Calder -- travel journalist and senior travel editor at The Independent newspaper -- said taking extra cash was the only additional precaution he 'd take . `` The only currency that counts is going to be cash euros , '' he said . `` I clearly would n't rely on any sort of plastic . Luckily it 's a very crime free place . I would not hesitate to take 500 euros out there in my wallet . '' On the up side , Calder said it was likely that Cyprus would offer some great bargains in an effort to attract potentially nervous tourists . `` While the British tend to be quite stoic , other nationalities might be more concerned , '' he said . `` There are going to be some great deals particularly when the main season begins in May . '' The crisis might help the island balance its economy so that it had `` more to do with tourism and less to do with international finance , '' Calder said . The end result -- particularly if Cyprus went back to its pre-euro Cypriot pound and became more affordable -- could be that the island became a better destination for travelers , he said . `` It 's a fantastic destination , with lovely people and fabulous culture . From a tourist perspective it 's going to be very uncomfortable for the next few days -- possibly weeks -- but in the long term I ca n't see anything but people continuing to go there . '' Read more : With global instability , who wants to be a tourist ?
Cyprus is trying to reach an agreement with the EU for a 10 billion euro bailout . A proposal for a one-off levy on bank deposits resulted in a run on ATM machines . Cyprus ' tourist body says its ATMs are working normally and its business as usual . Nonetheless , visitors are being advised to travel with more cash than normal .