Crimea, once a favored destination for Russian tourists, is facing a dramatic decline in vacationers this season as nighttime explosions, long queues at gas stations, and oil spills have become part of the new reality, according to Ukrainian publication The Kyiv Independent.
The peninsula, which was illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014, has recently been targeted by a series of medium-range attacks from Ukraine, with the intent of isolating it from Russia, as explained by Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Ukrainian forces are reportedly striking logistical and military targets in the area daily.
The Kyiv Independent highlighted several messages from a Telegram group where tourists discuss their experiences on the peninsula: “We spent the entire night in a shelter”; “Cafes are open… but they ask for cash or a bank transfer; many cafes do not have electricity”; “As for fuel, I still recommend bringing some with you whenever possible”; “Those who travel to Crimea every year cannot be frightened by anything.”
Cancelled Bookings
Russian newspaper Kommersant reported that from May 24 to June 6, 79% of hotel bookings were canceled during this period.
“The tourist season either hasn’t started or has already ended,” stated Evhen Hlobîstov, dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, and an expert in environmental protection and sustainable development in Crimea, in comments to Kyiv Independent.
The ongoing Ukrainian attacks have caused a fuel supply crisis, food shortages, power outages, and marine pollution, as noted by the Ukrainian publication.
The peninsula’s railway authority has reduced the number of daily train services to and from Crimea, dropping from 18 to just 7.
On Friday, authorities installed by Russia declared a regional state of emergency, stating that “the decision was made primarily to address economic issues.”
