There are hardly any international holidaymakers in Ukraine at the moment. But there are a few: why war tourism only sounds like “fun” and where it is “particularly safe” at the moment, the head of the State Agency for Tourist Development of Ukraine (SATD), Mariana Oleskiv, reveals in an interview with the “Crowns”.
‘War tourism may sound fun, but it is not. If you go there, there is a good chance that you will die,” Oleskiv warns at the beginning of the conversation with the “Krown” about the risks of traveling to conflict areas in Ukraine. Russian forces have invaded the country since February 2022. Attractive travel destinations such as those in the southern regions of the country are occupied. Yet the number of international holidaymakers is not zero.
War zone inaccessible to travelers
“There are probably still a few people there who are interested in dark tourism. But certainly not much,” Oleskiv is sure. There are not many tour operators or organizations in these areas. There are no questions either. “It is clear to most people that you cannot reach the area where there is war. There are too many security checks for that.” Only people on support missions would get close to the front lines. “You can’t get there without a special permit.”
In the west and the capital Kiev, life must continue as normal. According to Oleskiv, the consequences of the conflict are still felt in some places: “In the train stations you often see soldiers who have returned from the war to take a short vacation. But also soldiers who are in rehabilitation and have lost their legs, feet, hands and other body parts.” The persistent sirens are also often a reminder of the fatal circumstances in their country.
Tourists stay in the west
“Otherwise we have a normal daily life here,” says the Ukrainian. Everyone would be working as usual, the children would be at school. “We have to keep fighting, but at the same time we have to keep going.” And this also applies to the tourism sector: since the outbreak of the war, it has had to adapt to the changed reality and expand its offering. especially in the west of the country. Yet the sector has not completely stagnated since the start of the war. As tourism has already slowly recovered in the summer of 2022: “People have understood that they need to go with their children to some safe places to relax.” According to them, places bordering on the countries of the European Union have become particularly safe places. to Oleskiv.
Many people who fled conflict-affected areas are now seeking refuge and recovery in the western part of Ukraine. Cities like Lviv are becoming hubs for evacuees, and the local community is mobilizing to provide support and shelter. Oleskiv herself was in a holiday resort in the West with her family last summer. “We also met two families from Slovakia there.” According to the tourism expert, holidaymakers from neighboring countries are usually people who have friends from parts of Ukraine and can inform themselves about the current situation. But business travelers also often come here. “This is what helps the industry survive,” she emphasizes, reminding people not to forget Ukraine as a holiday destination.
“Need to regain attention”
“We have to plan for the future, and that is what we are doing. We know we will regain attention for Ukraine.”
Before the war, Ukraine received a particularly large number of tourists from Saudi Arabia. Ukraine was considered the most popular travel destination there. “They really loved it…” recalls Mariana Oleskiv.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
