Travel agencies: Number of Russian tourists have not decreased

Travel agencies have stated that the number of tourist arrivals to Maldives from Russia has not decreased despite the escalating situation between Russia-Ukraine.

Speaking to Sun, travel agencies said that it would take a while for the impact of war to reflect on the number of tourist arrivals from the market.

“There is no direct impact which will come from Russia yet. For example, something like the closure of border,” a travel agent had said.

The travel agent said that despite this, a sudden change to the current situation is plausible depending on how the Russia-Ukraine conflict unfolds.

“If SWIFT is cut off, or if flights operate due to war – there will surely be an impact,” the travel agent had said.

Speaking further, the travel agent said that only indirect impacts can be experienced from the Russian market at present – detailing indirect impacts arising from matters such as the plunge of Russian economy and sanctions imposed on Russia by other countries.

Travel agents who target other Eastern European countries said that the only market currently lost, Is that of Ukraine. They noted that there are no obstructions at present, to bring tourists from other countries in the region.

“Tourists are coming from Serbia, Slovakia and Georgia at present. Arrivals from other countries in that region are also good,” a travel agent had said.

Subsequent to Russia attacking Ukraine on last Thursday, many countries have been imposing different types of sanctions against the county. Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has previously stated that the war will impact Maldivian tourism significantly.