CNN and other mainstream media need westerners to feel like geo-policy has somehow ruined the Crimea peninsula for tourism. Since voting to return to being Russian, the people of this fascinating part of the world have weathered a political blitz, sanctions, and outsiders doing everything possible to misrepresent the reality there. Here is a candid look at what tourism is really like beyond corporate media’s reach.
When the Ukraine civil war erupted a couple of years ago, most people on Crimea feared their traditions, their way of life, and even their lives might be in danger from right-wing nationalism run rampant in Kiev. Not long into the conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the “securing” of Russian speaking peoples in this region. Eventually, Crimea returned to Mother Russia, much to the chagrin of western leaders. Crippling sanctions, a total blacklisting of the region ensued.
But despite all this strategic machination hoteliers did not go out of business, restaurants did not close, and contrary to most reports, the beaches were filled as is usual. Actually, tourism may have even improved given Putin’s policies to help, and the devalued ruble. Yalta and other Crimea hot spots are cheaper than ever, thanks to those “strategic sanctions”.
The video below by Graham Phillips is on the beach at Yalta in 2015, about a year in after Crime returned to Russia.
One thing that is true in the cited CNN report though, English speakers and typical EU visitors are down, and it’s now wonder. The BBC, The New York Times, almost all western media has their constituents believing the USSR is back, or that Joseph Stalin has been reincarnated, and is living on Yalta. With the help of some “on the ground” reporting from my good friend Graham Phillips, Villa Elena, and videographers from the web, I hope to show my readers the travel value that has always been Crimea.
Many reading this might find it interesting to know, a big percentage of Crimea beachgoers are actually from across the border in Ukraine. Media reports of heated hostilities on this frontier are often misleading. I personally know dozens of people who travel back and forth regularly. CNN and the rest would have us believe these people hate one another.
The next video is a random one I grabbed from YouTube by a couple who visited this year. As you can tell, the places and events they shared were not exactly smothered under any kind of Soviet scary overbearing.
This party video is from Full TOP BBOy Video, and shows us clearly the Millennials in this part of Russia are not feeling the pressure of Vladimir Putin’s thumb on them. Like I said, I just snatched some random ones that seemed like fun or revealing. This is on the Yalta Promenade.
This next one is via Club Lime club-restaurant, it shows another good reason for Putin to build a bridge across the Kerch Strait. Thanks to Володимир Луців for uploading this one.
Another one from Claberro shows ordinary tourists taking in the scenery etc. Somehow they managed to really camouflage the tanks and missiles. Don’t be fooled by the Christmas jingle start, Golden Beach heats up to red hot as one of Crimea’s sexiest beaches.
This final video is from the fabulous Villa Elena Yarta. I included this one for those who have heard they will only eat borsht and blinis (both of which are also fabulous) while in Russia.
I hope I encouraged all of you to do your own research. Look for the good and I swear, you’ll find a travler’s paradise on Crimea. Who knows, you may even catch a glimpse of Mr. Putin himself.