The Crimean peninsula, annexed by Russia, is a popular holiday destination for many Russians. But the consequences of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine can also be felt there.

According to media reports, the war in Ukraine is having a drastic impact on tourism in the Crimean peninsula, which has been annexed by Russia since 2014.

The Moscow daily Kommersant reported on Tuesday that there are fears that the number of guests in the hotels will fall by 30 to 40 percent. Therefore, up to a third of the hotels and apartments could remain closed this summer. Crimea has traditionally been a popular holiday destination for many Russians.

Ten million holidaymakers in 2021

Tourism is the main industry on the peninsula. According to estimates, almost ten million people vacationed there last year. According to the regional authorities, the travel industry accounts for 25 to 30 percent of government revenues in Crimea. This year, after the Russian attack on Ukraine, which has been going on since February, there is a risk of a big drop. According to the newspaper report, hotel occupancy during the May holidays was only between 10 and 15 percent.

There are mutliple reasons for this. Since the beginning of the war, passenger planes have been banned from flying over Crimea, which has only just been extended. Train tickets are not enough, and the war that Moscow started has fueled domestic inflation so much that many Russians don’t have the money for vacations. Others are also staying away for fear of the impending war.