Tourism in Crimea Plummets as Russian Military Presence Grows

Despite increasing insecurity and the threat of a counteroffensive by Ukraine, Russian occupiers in Crimea are attempting to lure tourists with cheap holiday packages and rental homes. However, data shows that optimism is not working, with only 1% of Russian hotel bookings made in Crimea this year, down from 3% last year and 19% the year before. Sixty percent of Crimean tourism businesses lost money last year, and tourist revenue dropped by around a third. Concerns over military news and recent attacks have led to many visitors canceling their summer bookings, while some hotels have lowered prices or decided not to open at all.