Crimean authorities accused Ukraine of starting a tourist blockade of the peninsula
Kyiv authorities are trying to prevent Ukrainian tourists from visiting Crimean resorts, as stated by the head of the Regional Interethnic Committee of the Crimea, Zaur Smirnov.
"Kyiv has made an attempt to organize a new blockade of the peninsula, this time a tourist one. Our sources among the employees of the State Border Service of Ukraine reported that they had received the order from Kyiv authorities to create artificial obstacles," Smirnov told RIA Novosti. In his opinion, such measures are “created because of the fear" that Ukrainians will see the real situation in the Crimea.
"We are happy to see Ukrainian tourists in the Crimea, where comfortable conditions are created and safety is guaranteed for all vacationers, but Kyiv's attempt to block trips by its citizens does not frighten us, as the Crimea does not depend on Ukrainian tourists," Smirnov emphasized.
Earlier, the Association of Tour Operators of the Russian Federation called a holiday in the Crimea both expensive and uncompetitive.