Sochi authorities deny reports of possible loss of million tourists

The Sochi administration reported high hotel occupancy rates and officially denied negative estimates for the upcoming season. Previously, tourism industry representatives predicted a loss of one million tourists in 2026.

Sochi authorities reported good hotel occupancy rates and denied earlier reports of a loss of tourists. Svetlana Yermilova, chair of the city council committee, stated that the average hotel occupancy rate currently stands at 46-48%, and this sufficient level during the off-season allows the city to remain stable. She emphasized that the administration has no reason to trust media reports that the resort will lose a million visitors.

"We've recently seen media reports that Sochi will lose a million tourists (in 2026). There are no such implications. Currently, the average hotel occupancy rate is 46-48%. This is a sufficient level that allows us to confidently stand on our own feet during the off-season,”

– Svetlana Ermilova said.