Post by account_disabled on Mar 10, 2024 10:58:47 GMT
The war in Ukraine began about a week ago and the first effects on the tourist industry are already visible. After almost two years of crisis due to the pandemic, some signs of growth at the beginning of 2022 seemed to point to a beginning of recovery . However, the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has brought new uncertainties about the immediate future of travel, which could suffer further shocks due to the back and forth between the Western world and the Kremlin. Last week, a few hours after the start of the war, we published a first immediate analysis on the possible consequences of this crisis. Let's now see what has been concretely found in recent days. Airspace closures and route changes The first sanction that had an impact on the world of tourism was the closure of airspace to Russian companies by the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.
As expected, Moscow almost immediately responded UAE Phone Number with a similar measure against 36 countries, including Italy. The interruption of air traffic between Europe and Russia equates to 221 fewer routes in just one week and the elimination of as many as 400 thousand flight seats. Without considering the consequences for all the companies involved in intercontinental connections: as TTG reports , reviewing the trajectories bypassing the skies of Russia would be particularly complex if not downright impossible and would lead to a significant increase in costs. The reaction of industry operators Meanwhile, some industry players such as Expedia Group and Booking.com have decided to do their part in imposing economic sanctions. In a March 2 article , Skift reports that Expedia has decided to stop selling its travel services to Russia . Not only will Russians no longer be able to access the Group's entire offer, but it will not even be possible for all other travelers to book a stay in Russia. For its part, Booking.com has decided to suspend its activities and services in Russia and Belarus .
In this regard, CEO Glenn Fogel said: “ We are deeply concerned about the devastating war taking place in Ukraine and we stand with all those who are suffering. With each passing day, the urgency of this crisis intensifies, as does the complexity of doing business in Russia. Due to these growing complexities, including significant restrictions imposed by sanctions from several countries, we are suspending travel services to Russia and Belarus. ” Particular is the case of TUI , the large German tour operator, whose main shareholder appears to be Alexey Mordashov, a pro-Putin Russian oligarch . According to what we have read in recent days, the EU is planning economic sanctions against the entrepreneur, measures which however - according to the CEO of the Group Fritz Joussen - should not have lasting negative repercussions on the company. Fear among some travellers Finally we come to the travellers' reaction. An analysis by Pambianco Hotellerie shows how the climate of tension prevailing in recent days has already led to a cancellation of hotel reservations , especially by American travelers. The latter, in fact, would be afraid to travel to Europe, because it is too geographically close to the conflict areas.
As expected, Moscow almost immediately responded UAE Phone Number with a similar measure against 36 countries, including Italy. The interruption of air traffic between Europe and Russia equates to 221 fewer routes in just one week and the elimination of as many as 400 thousand flight seats. Without considering the consequences for all the companies involved in intercontinental connections: as TTG reports , reviewing the trajectories bypassing the skies of Russia would be particularly complex if not downright impossible and would lead to a significant increase in costs. The reaction of industry operators Meanwhile, some industry players such as Expedia Group and Booking.com have decided to do their part in imposing economic sanctions. In a March 2 article , Skift reports that Expedia has decided to stop selling its travel services to Russia . Not only will Russians no longer be able to access the Group's entire offer, but it will not even be possible for all other travelers to book a stay in Russia. For its part, Booking.com has decided to suspend its activities and services in Russia and Belarus .
In this regard, CEO Glenn Fogel said: “ We are deeply concerned about the devastating war taking place in Ukraine and we stand with all those who are suffering. With each passing day, the urgency of this crisis intensifies, as does the complexity of doing business in Russia. Due to these growing complexities, including significant restrictions imposed by sanctions from several countries, we are suspending travel services to Russia and Belarus. ” Particular is the case of TUI , the large German tour operator, whose main shareholder appears to be Alexey Mordashov, a pro-Putin Russian oligarch . According to what we have read in recent days, the EU is planning economic sanctions against the entrepreneur, measures which however - according to the CEO of the Group Fritz Joussen - should not have lasting negative repercussions on the company. Fear among some travellers Finally we come to the travellers' reaction. An analysis by Pambianco Hotellerie shows how the climate of tension prevailing in recent days has already led to a cancellation of hotel reservations , especially by American travelers. The latter, in fact, would be afraid to travel to Europe, because it is too geographically close to the conflict areas.