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A lack of information
about tourist attractions, coupled with inadequate infrastructure,
have together served to restrict the growth of the Ukrainian
tourism industry, but that may be about to change. Ever
since the Orange Revolution catapulted Ukraine onto the
world stage the country has enjoyed something of a tourism
boom, with the removal of visa restrictions facilitating
an ever increasing fl ow of visitors from across the EU
and beyond.
First time guests are confronted by a world of previously
unknown charm and beauty, from the world-class nightlife
and entertainment opportunities of 21st century Kyiv and
glamour of imperial Odesa to the majesty of the Crimean
peninsula and quiet tranquility of the timeless Carpathians.
They will fi nd a country of contrasts that defies the
usual stereotypes and leaves guests with a whole new perception
of eastern Europe. History confronts the visitor at every
turn, and Ukraine’s troubled past has created a patchwork
nation which boasts a remarkably diverse range of tourist
attractions including Islamic palaces dating back to the
time of the Golden Horde, remnants of Tsarist splendour
in the southern cities of the old Russian Empire, and
the Mittel Europa of west Ukraine’s Habsburg domains.
Ukraine emerged from the Soviet era with it huge tourism
potential hamstrung by low standard facilities and a culture
of ‘service with a scowl’ that was typical of
the Soviet work ethic. However, that is now all changing,
with European service standards increasingly widespread
and a new generation of tourism professionals leading
the charge. The future looks bright for the industry,
with billions of euros already earmarked for major hotel,
airport and infrastructure projects to meet the challenges
set by Euro 2012. The task now for the adventurous tourist
is to visit the country before it becomes just another
a routine destination on the East European tourism circuit!
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