The Head of the Crimean Parliament Committee for Sanatorium-Resort Complex and Tourism Alexei Chernyak is hopeful direct international flights to Crimea will resume soon. In 2016 the region welcomed almost 6 million tourists, many from within Russia. While this number was 21% more than in 2015, international arrivals to the peninsula would be a boom for the tourist Mecca on the Black Sea.
After Crimeans voted to rejoin Russia in March of 2014 International flights were terminated because of the reunification with Russia for fear of foreign companies falling under western sanctions. This week Mr. Aksenov said investors are interested in Crimea, as the region has created an attractive environment. The region’s status as a free economic zone provides significant benefits, according to Aksenov.
Also this week, four Crimean cities were listed as “top ten” Russian resort destinations for foreign tourists. Yalta, Alushta, Feodosia and Sevastopol ranked among the top destinations searched for by travelers online. Aksenov also told reporters this week that at least two organized groups from the UK will visit Crimea this year.
“We expect the arrival of organized tourist groups from China and the UK this year. They have already booked the rooms. At least two or even three groups of tourists from the UK are planned.”
According to him, the visit of the Chinese and the British is scheduled for the late summer-early fall period. According to him the tourist groups are primarily interested in educational, historical and military tourism rather than beach trips.
Image credit: Feature image courtesy of Mriya Resort & Spa Yalta