Tatyana Markova Director of the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Odessa City Council in her exclusive interview to Eurasia Diary on the relaxing features in the Ukrainian city Odessa, both in summer and winter
Eurasia Diary: What about the overall situation with tourism in the country, considering the hostilities in the east of Ukraine?
Tatyana Markova: Actually, Ukraine very dramatically lost in flow of tourists when Crimea problem began in our country in 2014. However, taking into account all factors of the situation, we concentrated on the development of domestic tourism and we launched a whole range of projects.
Unfortunately, government didn’t support us. Every attractive to tourists cities started to act by themselves. Odessa also created a series of actions. For instance, a project “I want to Odessa” where we have placed “big boards” throughout the Ukraine with the most memorable fragments that distinguish Odessa from other cities.
We shoot ahead in 2015 and in 1st October of 2016 we saluted our two millionth tourist with the orchestra at the station.
Eurasia Diary: In your opinion, can Odessa replace Crimea completely?
Tatyana Markova: We believe that Crimea will also be with us. Therefore, we have no plans to replace someone due to the fact that Odessa is Odessa.
Eurasia Diary: Odessa usually associated with summer vacation. What it can offer to tourists in winter?
Tatyana Markova: We worked on a project “Odessa-365 days a year” for several years because we are deeply convinced that Odessa is really interesting all year round.
Eurasia Diary: What you would like to say about Ukraine and Odessa to our numerous readers around the world?
Tatyana Markova: First of all, I would like to invite all of them to our wonderful city. Odessa is very cozy, kind and warm to everybody. This city is astonishing and legendary which taste and aura cannot be discovered through articles. You should experience it by yourself.
To see full interview press: http://eurasiadiary.ru/news/interview/89535-220
