Travel/Tourism
Ukraine Crisis Hits Russia’s Tourism Industry
By Kester Kenn Klomegah
Russia’s tourism industry, both in-bound and out-bound, is severely hit by the war-ravaged crisis that unfolded in the former Soviet republic of Ukraine in late February. For more than two years, the tourism industry was affected due to the widespread Covid-19 that shattered the world.
Industry operators say that the impact on tourism due to Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine has pushed the United States and Canada, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries to impose a series of sanctions, which are currently affecting the smooth operation of tourism business.
According to statistics, over these past three years, including the Covid-19 restrictions and the Russia-Ukraine crisis, foreign airlines have carried an estimated 128.1 million passengers, but most passengers were stuck due to border closures and repatriated in 2020. As Covid-19 subsided, and the latest volley of sanctions have cut foreign travel, especially to the United States and Europe for Russians.
Analysts expect the tourism business to develop considerably inside Russia. Russian tourists might instead opt for South America and Caribbean, Asian and African destinations such as Cyprus, Thailand, Turkey, Malta, Maldives, Zanzibar, and Egypt. Russian citizens might not fear a sharp rise in airplane ticket prices, as during the spring and upcoming summer seasons costs are being determined, among other factors, by demand and purchasing power.
Many Russian tourists are stranded due to economic sanctions, handicapped by bank withdrawals using the international credit card system. Zarina Doguzova at the Russian Federal Agency for Tourism told the local Russian media that nearly 90,000 tourists were repatriated in March.
According to the agency, Egypt has the largest number of packaged tourists from Russia. The repatriation process has been hampered and takes more time due to new Western sanctions targeting the planes expected to be used for special flights from Egypt to Russia. The tour operators struggled to bring back Russian packaged tourists by using different ways, including connecting flights of foreign airlines through third countries from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the Maldives and Thailand.
On April 4, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that from April 9, Russia would cancel restrictions on flights to 52 countries imposed due to the pandemic, including Argentina, India, China, South Africa, and other friendly countries. It applies to regular and charter flights between Russia and several other foreign countries.
It will take into account the epidemiological situation in individual countries: a previous decision was made to completely lift restrictions on regular and charter flights with Algeria, Argentina, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Venezuela, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Egypt and Zimbabwe.
The rest include Israel, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Iraq, Kenya, China, North Korea, Costa Rica, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho, Mauritius, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Mozambique, Moldova, Mongolia, Myanmar, Namibia, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Serbia, Syria, Thailand, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, Fiji, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Jamaica.
The protracted Ukraine war threatens several tourist destinations that rely on Russian visitors. Turkey, Uzbekistan, the UAE, Tajikistan, Armenia, Greece, Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Cyprus are among the top 25 countries for outbound Russian tourism by flight capacity, according to Mabrian Technologies, an intelligence platform for the tourism industry.
For instance, Egypt’s economy relies heavily on tourism from Russia and Ukraine, with the two countries accounting for roughly one-third of all visitors each year. Egypt is working to open tourism markets, particularly for Germany, England, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Switzerland, following the lifting of travel restrictions to Egypt.
Thousands of Russian tourists visit Thailand’s beach resorts. The Russia-Ukraine crisis with Europe might further push Russian tourists toward popular destinations in Asia and a few destinations in Africa. While Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, not all these countries are considered popular destinations for Russian tourists. Russia is looking to develop and promote domestic tourism.
According to statistics, Russian tourists spent over $300 billion abroad over the past 20 years, and their money could build domestic tourism infrastructure. Experts also argue that the Russian tourism infrastructure has been demonstrating some growth over the past year, and it is important not to lose this pace under the current circumstances in the world.
Federal Agency for Tourism, which promotes tours both domestic and foreign, underscored steps being taken by the Russian government to put tourism on track including subsidy offers for local destinations, an effort towards encouraging and promoting domestic tourism, which are safe and have comfortable conditions for Russian tourists, during the forthcoming seasons.
Russian government’s latest package of measures to support the economy in the face of sanctions will address the tourism industry and a number of other sectors, and it provides for tax incentives, Federation Council Deputy Speaker Nikolai Zhuravlev said this month.
According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), external tourism will steadily pick up despite the current international situation and the rising dollar and euro exchange rates, and the decline in the share of foreign tours in the volume of sales during February and March, during the months of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Russia’s membership has been stripped off from international organizations, the latest was the United Nations Human Rights Council. On March 8, the Executive Council proposed holding an extraordinary assembly to consider a possible suspension of Russia’s membership in the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
The latest analysis from Astons, reveals that Greece has seen a 14.6% increase in migrants settlers over the past 10 years, with almost 25,000 Americans settling in the Mediterranean paradise in 2024 alone. However, this trend could soon reverse, with rumours that Greece is set to call time on its Golden Visa offering.
Astons has analysed International Migrant data from the United Nations* and found that, in 2024, more than 1.4m migrants settled in Greece, marking a ten-year increase of 14.6% since 2015.
The largest proportion of migrants arrived from the European continent (913,652), followed by Asia (372,146), Africa (68,690), and North America (38,416).
On a national level, Greece welcomed the largest number of people from Albania (474,441), followed by Germany (123,912), Georgia (90,365), Bulgaria (90,365), and Russia (78,992).
Meanwhile, 24,748 migrants resettled in Greece from the USA, and 19,156 arrived from the UK, marking a ten-year increase of 8.6% in both instances.
Many migrants looking to settle in Greece opt for the nation’s Golden Visa as a pathway to gaining residency and figures from Astons show that an estimated 8,837 applications were made in 2024 – the highest number seen since 2019.
However, this could be about to change, as Astons has seen a sharp increase in activity so far this year, driven by investor urgency around rumours that Greece is set to withdraw its Golden Visa offering.
Citizenship, residence permit, and real estate investment expert for Astons, Alena Lesina, said, “Greece has become one of Europe’s most in-demand destinations for migrants from all over the world, but residency in the country is certainly most desirable for the ultra-wealthy due to its investment potential and favourable expat tax rules, which explains why almost 25,000 Americans have chosen to settle there in the past year alone.
“There are some rumors, but no official confirmation. However, we understand that the situation in any country with a Golden Visa program can always change. The European Commission is putting significant pressure on countries offering Golden Visas, and internally, there is growing tension related to the need to address housing issues.
“History shows a clear trend – Ireland’s Golden Visa was discontinued, Spain’s program will officially end on April 3 this year. Last year, Portugal removed the real estate investment option from its program. In 2022, the UK also shut down its Tier 1 investor program.
“For now, Greece is maintaining its program and we can reasonably expect that it will remain in place for at least another year. However, it’s best not to delay making a decision for too long in case they decision is made to call time on Greece’s Golden visa.”
The Governor of Plateau State, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, has assured full government support for the N8.5 billion Hill Station Resort revitalization project, embarked on by Hillside Hospitality Limited, an investee company of Strom Infrastructure Investments and Management Limited. The renewed commitment came during a high-level stakeholder engagement meeting aimed at accelerating the historic resort’s transformation.
Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, in Jos, Plateau State, on Monday, Mr Samuel Jatau, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the project’s significance to Plateau’s development agenda.
“The people of Plateau are diligent, hardworking, and committed. We will support and patronise this development to ensure its success,” he said.
The ambitious project, set to commence construction in March 2025, represents a strategic partnership between the Plateau State Government and Hillside Hospitality Limited. Following the signing of the Heads of Terms Agreement in July 2024, the initiative aims to restore the 1938 structure while introducing modern amenities and luxury facilities.
Speaking on the project’s vision, the Director of Hillside Hospitality Limited, Mr Kolapo Joseph, described the Hill Station project as a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to transform hospitality and tourism in Plateau State.
“This project is about more than just revitalisation, it is a dedicated effort to honour Hill Station’s rich heritage while introducing world-class hospitality standards.
“Our vision is to create a destination that seamlessly integrates luxury, culture, and nature, ensuring an exceptional experience for visitors in the heart of Jos.
“We recognise that Plateau State holds immense potential as a hospitality hub, and we are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure this transformation drives economic growth, generates employment, and instils a renewed sense of pride in the community.
“Through collaboration and strategic investment, we aim to develop Hill Station Resort into a landmark destination that reflects the very best of Nigerian tourism,” he stated.
Mr Joseph expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Plateau State Government and private sector partners, adding: “This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in Plateau’s future. We are creating a resort that will attract business and leisure travelers alike, unlocking new opportunities for the local economy while preserving the unique identity of this historic site.
“With the right partnerships, we will position Plateau State as a premier global tourism destination, one that showcases its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to the world.”
In his remarks, another Director of Hillside Hospitality, Mr Hakeem Condotti, highlighted Strom Infrastructure’s deep connection to Plateau State through its involvement with NESCO Nigeria.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to preserving and enhancing historical landmarks while driving economic growth in the region,” he said.
The revitalized resort, scheduled for commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2025, will feature state-of-the-art conference facilities, premium accommodations, and leisure amenities, positioning Jos as a premier destination for business and leisure travel.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Two major airlines operating in the Nigerian airspace, Emirates and Air Peace, have signed an interline agreement to allow passengers enjoy frictionless single-ticket travel and simplified baggage throughput.
This deal will enable passengers flying from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nigeria enjoy onward connections to Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna and Owerri, Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt and Warri.
Emirates operates the Dubai-Lagos route with a Boeing 777-300ER and some of its passengers continue their journeys to the above cities through other airlines, but with this interline agreement, when they land in Lagos, Air Peace will move them to the other cities with ease,
“Emirates is a steadfast partner of Nigeria’s tourism, trade and aviation sectors. This partnership with Air Peace is the next step on this journey, bolstering our connectivity and introducing more travel options for corporate leisure, and travellers visiting friends and family to and from Nigeria.
“We look forward to deepening our strategic partnership with Air Peace in the future to enhance the benefits for our mutual customers,” the Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer for Emirates, Adnan Kazim, said.
Also commenting, the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Ms Oluwatoyin Olajide, said, “We are excited about this strategic interline partnership between Air Peace and Emirates, which is a significant step towards enhancing global connectivity for Nigerian travellers.
“It aligns with our mission to provide seamless, world-class travel experiences while expanding our route network and international reach.
“This collaboration not only expands Air Peace’s international reach but also offers Nigerians arriving from Dubai seamless access to key domestic destinations, including Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, and Owerri.
“By improving ease of travel, we are boosting business, tourism, and trade opportunities, further strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE.
“This partnership also reinforces Nigeria’s aviation sector by enhancing connectivity, efficiency and positioning our country as a critical hub for regional and global travel. At Air Peace, we remain committed to providing greater connectivity, convenience, and world-class service for our passengers.”
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