Russian beachgoers face fuel shortages and drone threats amid war-torn summer
Tourists on Russia's Black Sea coast are coping with gasoline scarcities and frequent air-raid alerts, leading to massive booking cancellations and pressure on local hospitality firms.
The ongoing war with Ukraine has turned Russia's seaside resorts into uneasy holiday destinations, as visitors in Anapa deal with gasoline shortages and daily missile-threat alerts. Data from the Russia Association of Tour Operators show roughly one million bookings to the annexed Crimea were cancelled by the end of June, hurting tour operators and hotels. Some businesses, such as the Adrian bistro, have remained closed for months, while others like the Dream Hotel report near-full rooms but erratic demand.
Tourists, including a Moscow couple, monitor air-raid warnings and keep contingency plans, illustrating how the conflict permeates leisure. Fuel shortages stem from attacks on oil refineries, and power outages in Crimea have pushed more Russians to choose foreign destinations such as Turkey and Egypt. The association is urging the government to spread refunds over the year to keep the sector afloat.
Why it matters
The story shows how the Ukraine war disrupts everyday life and tourism in Russia, impacting the economy and public safety.
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