Author: VK
The Black Sea resorts of Krasnodar Territory and the Caucasus are preparing for the 2014 Olympic Games. Modernization of Soviet recreation centers and sanatoria and construction of new tourism facilities is being carried out in Greater Sochi and Abkhazia, recovering from political shocks. The Black Sea resorts may become a guarantor of economic development of the territories and internal harmony. Russian tourists have been used to relaxing at Black Sea resorts since Soviet times, but prefer cheaper visits to Turkey and Egypt. But the rich history and unique ecology of the Black Sea region and development of tourism infrastructure in the last several years have brought a new tourism flow.
Ilya Umansky, Director of Alean Media, and Lyudmila Sysoykina, Deputy Director General of Solvex Travel, have told VK about problems of tourism in the Black Sea region.
Ilya Umansky
Generally, Sochi has been developing actively in the last several years. But the Olympic construction has resulted in the closing of several sanatoria and recreation centers for reconstruction, the city is filled with business travellers, it is experiencing major construction. This caused the sea resort of Sochi to lose its value. But we understand that the problems are temporary. We just need to wait 2 years and we will see Sochi in a new look. Sochi is currently under reconstruction, Anapa plays an important role as the ideal sea resort for children, with the best beach conditions for children.
Density at resorts of the Krasnodar Territory between seasons is still a major problem. Many hotels were orienting towards the number of tourists arriving at the beaches in the 1990s.
Another problem is poor information support for sanatoria. Sanatoria are the only way for health-improvement centers to have visitors between seasons. Kavkazskiye Mineralniye Vody, though lacking access to the sea, emphasises its sanatoria. This is why it has a big flow of tourists throughout the year.
Lyudmila Sysoykina
The fact that Abkhazia is a "soul country" becomes clear for more and more Russians ever year. It has a regular railway line to Sukhumi, which used to be inaccessible. Abkhazia has been experiencing a tourist boom in the last 4 years. It is changing its infrastructure, having a rebirth of the Abkhaz spirit, providing nostalgia for those who are used to the most beautiful spot on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.
Sukhumi offers warm weather, a clean coast, many restaurants and cafes even in November. Tropical palms and flourishing flora contribute to the atmosphere and mood of the city. Sukhumi mixes new European architecture and traditional buildings. Sukhumi is rebuilding old recreation centers and roads, managing parking territories, modernizing excursion transport, opening tourism companies in Abkhazia. This allows us to talk about a new Abkhazia. But the city still has a lot to do to become a comfortable and modern resort.
The third Russian-Abkhaz business forum was concluded about two weeks ago, at which Abkhaz President Alexander Ankvab announced prospects for the development of the republic. He noted that the main goal is development of infrastructure and restoration of 71 tourism facilities. The next step is construction of private hotels. Ankvab spoke for preservation of the unique ecology of Abkhazia.
Video: Interview with Ilya Umansky,
Interview with Lyudmila Sysoykina.
