Ukraine Launches Controversial Tourism Campaign Amid War

Ukraine has launched a tourism campaign titled 'Visit Ukraine' to attract visitors despite the ongoing war with Russia, which began on February 24, 2022. The campaign promotes travel to war-affected areas, including the heavily bombarded city of Mariupol, described as the 'city of invincibility and heroism.' The website offers itineraries that follow the footsteps of defenders and showcase cities recovering from destruction. Mykhailo Nepran, First Vice President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, noted growing interest from foreign visitors, including celebrities like Angelina Jolie, who experienced an air raid shelter visit. Mariana Oleksiv, head of the State Tourism Agency of Ukraine, stated that tourism tax revenues dropped 18% in the first four months of 2022 compared to the previous year, with major economic losses expected from June to October. The government is developing a 10-year reconstruction plan that includes memorials and routes featuring destroyed military equipment. Separately, the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, won by Ukraine, will be held in the United Kingdom due to security concerns, as announced by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC.