Russians have ignored the ongoing conflict in Ukraine by choosing Crimea as the destination for their summer holidays.
Hoteliers and tourist agents have reported tourists flocking to beaches on the disputed territory despite frequent bombing raids.
The peninsula is a hotspot for holidaymaking Russians during the summer, thanks primarily to its seaside hubs.
While bookings have dropped along the border with Ukraine in northern Crimea, Sevastopol and Yalta remain attractive prospects.
Tourists are resolute to fulfil paid bookings but have travelled under the assumption that the Russian government has the war under control.
One travel agent told the Sunday Telegraph that bookings have dropped by up to 50 percent in the north.
Northern Crimea borders Kherson, a region occupied by Russia that has seen some of the most intense fighting.
Much of the area was also recently flooded following the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam.
Elsewhere, however, bookings remain consistent, especially in coastal tourist hubs.
The agent said people won’t give up on their holidays and have been spurred on by the Russian media stating “everything is under control”.
Other Russians, another agent added, have “got used” to the conflict rumbling on in the foreground.
Sevastopol is the peninsula’s largest city, home to 500,000 permanent residents.
People descend on the settlement during the summer, attracted by beaches, shopping, restaurants and bars.
The south isn’t entirely free of the conflict though, as Sevastopol also hosts a major harbour administering Russia’s Black Sea fleet.
Ukraine has launched drone attacks on the area during its summer counter-offensive in a bid to thin Russia’s sea-bound attacking force.
But holidaymakers are barely affected, as people “always want to be here”, said Ksenia, the owner of a 30-room Sevastopol hotel.
Earlier this month, Russia claimed to have thwarted an attack near the Sevastopol port.
On July 16, the Russian defence ministry said it took down nine drones with no reported casualties.
The ministry said they were shot down over the Balaklava, Khersones, and Razvozhaye districts, but the reports could not be independently verified.
Yulia, a Muscovite and a regular visitor, told The Sunday Telegraph that Crimea is gorgeous and fun, the perfect respite to the strains of modern life.
She said: “It’s Russia’s French Riviera.”
