A fuel shortage in annexed Crimea is beginning to disrupt the peninsula's crucial summer tourism season, with tour operators, hotels and wineries reporting a surge in booking cancellations as travelers reconsider plans to drive to the Black Sea resort region.
The disruptions pose a new challenge for Crimea's tourism-dependent economy at the start of the peak holiday season. Industry representatives say concerns over fuel availability have prompted many visitors to postpone or cancel trips, though some larger tourism operators insist demand remains relatively resilient.
Crimea's tourism sector has become increasingly reliant on domestic visitors since Russia annexed the peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. About 80% of tourists travel there by car, making fuel availability a critical factor during the summer season.
Yelena Shtringel, director of tour company TurEtno, told the RBC news website that around 80% of previously booked June trips had been canceled, along with roughly half of reservations for July and August.
"There are a small number of new bookings, but they are for August and September," she said.
