Russia’s Black Sea holiday season is unfolding under unusual circumstances. Although beaches in resorts such as Anapa remain busy, the war in Ukraine is increasingly affecting both tourists and the local travel industry. According to a Reuters report, Russians are spending a fifth consecutive summer under the shadow of air raid alerts, fuel shortages, and growing uncertainty over domestic travel.
Hotel owners, restaurant operators, and tourism businesses report that this year’s season has been significantly weaker than expected. Some small family-run businesses decided not to open at all, while others are operating with far fewer visitors than in previous years. Industry representatives say many travelers now wait until the last possible moment to book holidays after checking the latest security situation.
Frequent drone attack warnings have become another challenge. Reuters journalists reported receiving repeated missile threat notifications while visiting the region. Although many local residents have become accustomed to such alerts, they remain a constant reminder that the conflict is no longer distant from everyday life.
The war has also affected transport. Repeated attacks on Russian energy infrastructure have contributed to fuel shortages in parts of southern Russia, making car travel—the most common way to reach Black Sea resorts—more difficult for many holidaymakers.
According to the Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR), around one million bookings to Crimea had been cancelled by the end of June, resulting in losses estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars. At the same time, increasing numbers of Russians are choosing overseas destinations, with Turkey and Egypt remaining among the most popular choices.
Despite the uncertainty, many tourists say they are determined not to let the conflict completely disrupt their summer holidays. While remaining alert to possible security threats, they hope to enjoy at least a brief period of normal life away from everyday pressures.
Sources: Reuters, Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR).
