Important European Tourist Spots Are Preparing for A Successful Summer Without Russian Tourists

Due to limitations related to the Russia-Ukraine war and subsequent measures enforced by the country’s capital Moscow, important tourism sites in Europe are preparing for a prosperous summer season without visitors from Russia. Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President, has expressed a desire to punish countries that have imposed restrictions on Russia.

Putin postponed aspects of a 2006 visa-simplification agreement between Russia and other “unfriendly” European Union countries that imposed sanctions on Russia following its Ukraine invasion on April 4th. Putin has also issued a travel warning, advising Russians to avoid traveling to “dangerous” European nations. He stated that they can instead travel to India, Turkey, and Sri Lanka, among other nations that have not criticized Russia’s aggression on Ukraine or have imposed restrictions. Nonetheless, the Greek government, as well as many hotels, are optimistic about the country’s tourist industry.

ManolisElpidis the General Manager at the Atlantica Caldera Palace in Crete said “that in their hotel, in place of Russians, they have customers mostly from the UK. The season has kicked off on a positive note. If the same momentum carries on, without any problems surfacing, business is expected to reach 80 percent of the levels of 2019”.

The Greek government has set this goal based on tourism reaching up to 60% of pre-pandemic levels last year.