The Ministry of Economic Development asked tour operators to stop selling trips to Abkhazia

“The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia recommends that tour operators and other participants in the tourism market suspend the sale of tourism products related to visiting Abkhazia and do not apply sanctions when canceling trips to Abkhazia,” the ministry said.

The Ministry of Economy recommended that Russians refrain from traveling to Abkhazia and that Russian tourists already there leave the country if possible.

Previously, the Russian Foreign Ministry made similar recommendations. The representative of the department, María Zajárova, noted that “a crisis situation has developed in the republic”, since the opposition “did not consider it possible to resolve differences with the legitimate authorities of the country through a civilized and mutually respectful dialogue.” .

“It is important that Russians who are temporarily in this state exercise greater caution, do not approach places of unrest and, if possible, leave the country,” Zakharova added.

According to the Association of Russian Tour Operators, about 8,000 Russian tourists are currently vacationing in Abkhazia, more than half of whom are independent travelers. The association added that around 95% of Russians are “in tourist centers far from the capital,” where unrest is taking place.

The general director of the Dolphin tour operator, Sergei Romashkin, noted that the events in Abkhazia are unlikely to affect tourism demand. “Everyone is used to the fact that something is constantly happening in Abkhazia between the opposition and the authorities, and current events are unlikely to surprise tourists. Today no one leaves early, we will see what happens tomorrow,” he said.

On November 15 in Sukhum, protesters took control of the parliament, government and presidential administration buildings. One of the opposition leaders, Levan Mikaa, said protesters would remain in the administration building until the resignation of Abkhaz President Aslan Bzhania. Initially, the protesters demanded the refusal to ratify the agreement on the implementation of investment projects by Russian companies in the republic.