Tour operators are removing Russia from the program

Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine not only has military consequences. He is also isolating Russia internationally. The first travel providers are now taking the country out of their programs.

These travel companies are canceling Russia

If you go to the Berge & Meer website, for example, the ticker will read: “Due to the current situation, Berge & Meer will no longer be traveling to Russia for ethical and moral reasons.”

FTI also cancels the vacation in Russia. FTI boss Ralf Schiller to BILD: “As far as trips to Russia are concerned, we are suspending them until further notice. We already did that for Ukraine in mid-February.”

TUI also no longer offers trips to Putin’s empire.

Manfred Häupl, head of Hauser Excursions, explains his company’s refusal to offer trips to Russia as follows: “Anyone who intentionally tramples on international law and also actively invades a neighboring country militarily must not be tolerated.”

Michael Buller, CEO of the Internet Travel Sales Association, is also appalled: “The tourism industry stands for international understanding, for intercultural exchange. For people who meet, across national borders. They don’t fight each other, they develop friendships. And that’s why the current development in Ukraine is shaking the tourist world.”

Little impact on the travel industry

Symbolically, the suspension of travel to Russia is certainly an important act. In fact, the tourism industry there will probably not be hit too hard. FTI boss Schiller: “Demand for Russia has been falling for a long time due to the pandemic and fewer trips have been booked there.”

However, the crisis in Ukraine does not appear to have had any impact on the tourism industry in general. TUI spokesman Aage Dünhaupt told BILD: “We currently see no effects on the positive trend for bookings at Easter or in summer.”