Despite the war, long-awaiting summer is in full swing. Is it possible under such conditions to have a beach holiday in those territories that are not temporarily occupied?
The head of the State Agency for Tourism Development Maryana Oleskiv told “Today” about whether Ukrainians will go to sea this year.
“We all, of course, hope for a miracle. However, we understand that active hostilities continue, and the south of Ukraine today is a target for the enemy. In addition to civilian infrastructure, shelling and tourist and recreational. On the coast of Odessa region, several recreation centers were destroyed. Therefore, unfortunately, it is almost impossible to talk about a beach holiday today.
I would like to emphasize that the final decisions on beach recreation are made by the military and civil administrations in each region, together with local authorities and the SES. If there is an understanding that a certain beach is safe, ie it is not mined, there is no risk of shelling in the region, and there is a permit from local authorities to visit it – then you can relax here. If the Civil-military administrations do not give permission, it should not be done.
On the Odessa coast, several hotels with swimming pools are open. Odessans sometimes go there. But will people come there, say, from the west of Ukraine? It’s hard to say. At the same time, the Carpathian region is working. And some hotels are even expanding and recruiting more staff.
Any tourist activity is first of all support of the country’s economy. One job in tourism creates about ten jobs in related industries. Therefore, it is not necessary to condemn someone for going on a tourist trip or just relaxing,” said Maryana Oleskiv.
Revenues to the state budget from tourism in the first four months of 2022 decreased by 18% compared to the same period in 2021.
