Ukraine, a country located in Eastern Europe, has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination in recent years. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, Ukraine has a lot to offer to travelers from all over the world.
But how much does Ukraine make from tourism? Let’s take a closer look.
The Current State of Tourism in Ukraine
According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the number of international tourists visiting Ukraine has been steadily increasing over the past few years. In 2019 alone, Ukraine welcomed over 14 million foreign visitors, which is a record high since the country gained independence in 1991. The majority of these tourists came from neighboring countries such as Poland, Romania, and Belarus.
However, despite the increase in the number of visitors, tourism still only contributes a small percentage to Ukraine’s GDP. In 2019, the travel and tourism industry accounted for only 1.5% of Ukraine’s GDP and provided around 1.3 million jobs.
Factors Affecting Tourism Revenue
One of the main reasons why Ukraine’s tourism industry is not as developed as it could be is due to political instability and conflicts in some regions of the country. The ongoing conflict with Russia over Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine has had a significant impact on tourism in those areas.
Another factor affecting tourism revenue is infrastructure development. While major cities like Kyiv and Lviv have well-developed tourist infrastructure with plenty of hotels and attractions for visitors, smaller towns and rural areas often lack basic facilities such as accommodation options or transportation links.
Government Initiatives to Boost Tourism
Despite these challenges, the Ukrainian government has been taking steps to promote tourism and increase revenue generated from it. In 2019, the government launched a new program aimed at attracting investment into the country’s tourism industry. The program offers tax breaks for investors who build new hotels or other tourist infrastructure in Ukraine.
The government has also been working on improving transportation links to make it easier for tourists to travel around the country. For example, a new high-speed train between Kyiv and Lviv was launched in 2020, which has significantly reduced travel time between the two cities.
The Future of Tourism in Ukraine
With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and affordable prices, Ukraine has the potential to become a major tourist destination in Europe. However, it will require sustained efforts from the government and private sector to improve infrastructure and promote the country’s tourism offerings.
In conclusion, while tourism is still a relatively small part of Ukraine’s economy, there is significant potential for growth in this industry. With the right investments and initiatives from both public and private sectors, Ukraine could become a popular destination for travelers looking for something unique and off-the-beaten-path.