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This week, Ukraine will start a campaign to attract tourists from all over the world by highlighting its availability of infrastructure, hotels, and services for visitors.
Prior to the largest travel event in the world, the ITB in Berlin, the head of Ukraine’s State Agency for Tourism Development shared with The Independent that tourism will play a crucial role in the country’s recovery after the war.
Mariana Oleskiv said: “We welcome our guests if they don’t come with guns.
“Spending money in Ukraine will contribute to the country’s economic recovery.”
The Ukrainian brand is currently recognized and renowned globally. However, it is not associated with tourism.
When people think of Ukraine, they often associate it with bravery, war, and destruction. As a result, they may have a narrow view of the country, assuming it looks like cities such as Mariupol.
There are numerous cities that resemble this one, although the area occupied by these cities is only around 20 to 30 percent of the total territory.
Everything else is satisfactory. It is incredibly stunning. Our infrastructure is excellent and our hotels offer top-notch services and internet access.
We must generate interest in Ukraine beyond being a charity case, and instead make it a place that people want to support by visiting.
“We are unsure about the specific timing, whether it will occur within this year, the next year, or two years from now. In the meantime, we have the opportunity to plan and prepare, even though those plans may be currently on hold. However, we are equipped to take action once the Ukrainian borders and skies reopen.”
Ms. Oleskiv began her position in March 2020, just as there was anticipation for a significant increase in flights from the UK and other countries. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hindered the plans for new routes to Odessa, which were being offered by Ryanair and Wizz Air from London.
In the past: Passazh Shopping Arcade in Odessa, before the Russian invasion.
In February 2022, Russia launched a military attack on Ukraine, leading to a suspension of all international tourism to the country.
According to Ms Oleskiv, it is noteworthy that Ukrainians continue to go on vacation.
“Tourism, specifically domestic tourism, is still thriving in Ukraine. This provides an additional means of coping with the current situation in our country.”
“We offer a variety of options for food and drink such as cafes, bars, and restaurants that are currently in operation. Our hotels have also remained open and have served as a vital resource during the previous winter when there were frequent power outages. The hotels were equipped with generators, providing people with means to charge their phones and have meals.”
“People do travel, they travel with families with kids from the destinations that are less safe to destinations that are more safe: in the Carpathian mountains, western central Ukraine. This is something that keeps us our mental health being alright and being OK.”
The head of the Ukrainian tourism organization emphasized that it is not advisable for foreign tourists to visit until the war has ended. He stated, “We are not currently welcoming visitors for various reasons. The logistics are very challenging and insurance companies do not offer coverage for risks in Ukraine. Therefore, even if you were to become ill while in Ukraine, unrelated to the war, it would not be covered by most insurance companies. Due to these factors, we are not accepting visitors at this time.”
According to Ms Oleskiv, tourism will recommence once flights are restored and when it can be ensured that specific regions are completely safe.
Ryanair recently reaffirmed its commitment to establish a substantial air operation in the three major tourist cities of Kyiv, Lviv, and Odessa within six weeks after a ceasefire is declared.
As soon as the weapons cease fire, tourism will resume in Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine.
Prior to the Russian incursion, the three cities were the primary draw for tourists to Ukraine. However, the country is now focused on expanding its appeal to a wider audience.
Ms Oleskiv stated that we created a novel travel route for tourists from Saudi Arabia to the Carpathian mountains during the ongoing Covid pandemic in 2021.
“They adored it. Our resorts are exceptional: lush, rain-filled, with pleasant weather. Our goal was to increase tourist numbers threefold in 2022. However, due to Russia’s initiation of conflict, this was not possible.”
Before the Russian invasion, Chernobyl, where a nuclear reactor exploded in 1986, used to be a popular destination for tourists. However, according to Ms Oleskiv, it will now be inaccessible for a period of time.
She mentioned a past incident where Russia invaded the area and measures were taken to prevent another invasion, such as mining the territory.
We aim to educate future generations about the history of this war and showcase the repercussions and atrocities committed by Russia, rather than promote “dark tourism”.
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Source: independent.co.uk
