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"Start your amazing journey to Ukraine now," the travel company's website encourages.
Six months after the conflict in Ukraine officially began, an organization is urging tourists to return to the country. Visit Ukraine now to experience what it's like to live in the midst of war, see bombed cities, feel the danger, and meet their fighters—something not on any other tourist list.
Despite international warnings urging restrictions on travel to Ukraine, the company says it has sold 150 tickets so far, while its website providing information on safe travel to and from Ukraine is receiving 1.5 million visits per month, a 50% increase from before the conflict broke out.
Despite international warnings to restrict travel to Ukraine, the company says it has sold 150 tickets so far.
Those who sign up for these special tours can walk among bomb fragments, ruined buildings, churches and stadiums, as well as burnt military equipment, plus the constant sound of air raid sirens. However, unexploded landmines also pose a potential danger.
It may sound odd for a vacation, but Anton Taranenko, founder and CEO of Visit Ukraine, told CNN Travel that it's not like "dark tourism" which sees travelers flocking to other deadly, disastrous, and devastated locations around the world.
Taranenko said that the trips were an opportunity for Ukraine to showcase the indomitable spirit of its people and to show the outside world that life goes on, even in war.
Taranenko acknowledged that there are risks to visiting Ukraine, but said that guides would help mitigate some of the dangers.
"It's not just about bombs and bullets; what's happening in Ukraine today is also about how people are learning to live with war, helping each other. There's a real change, a new street spirit. Maybe across the street where a recent bombing occurred, you'll see friends eating delicious traditional food at a newly opened little pub."
"We have moments of happiness, not just the bad and sad things we see on TV. Life goes on, and hopefully, all of this will end soon," Taranenko said.
The U.S. State Department has issued a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" warning for Ukraine due to the conflict situation, urging all U.S. citizens to leave Ukraine immediately, after the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv suspended operations and was unable to provide consular assistance.
Other countries around the world have issued similar warnings. The UK Foreign and Development Office warned of the risk of loss of life from attacks on cities and areas in Ukraine.
However, Taranenko is doing the opposite by urging tourists to visit Ukraine immediately. "If you want to see our destroyed cities and the brave people fighting, come now," he said.
However, he added, tourists should note that nowhere in Ukraine is 100% safe, although having a guide will help minimize the danger.
"We regularly check the situation so we can monitor the different levels of safety," Taranenko pointed out, noting that many Ukrainians have now returned to the areas they originally left, especially the capital Kyiv.
Taraneko's visits to Ukraine have been highly appreciated by the government for their support of the country's struggling tourism industry, ravaged by conflict, and for providing information to facilitate travel for citizens. However, this activity has not yet been officially approved as part of the promotion of tourism to Ukraine.
Anton Taranenko, founder and CEO of Ukraine Travel, told CNN Travel that the day tours are an opportunity for Ukraine to showcase the resilience of its people and demonstrate how they are continuing to live through the war.
Mariana Oleskiv, chair of the Ukrainian Tourism Development Agency, told CNN: “Now is not the right time, but after everything is over, we will invite people to visit Ukraine. At the state level, we want Ukraine to open up to tourism, but because we cannot yet guarantee absolute safety for tourists, we hope to achieve this next year.”
Oleskiv said that domestic tourism has indeed restarted in Ukraine, reaching 50% of pre-conflict levels despite the fighting, but it is still too early and too risky for foreigners.
Mr. Taranenko said that, regardless of the risks, people still want to visit Ukraine. Of the 150 tickets sold so far, 15 have been sold to Americans, he said. Tour groups will be limited to 10 people. Participants will meet their guides at designated pick-up points and be prepared in advance on how to act if certain situations arise, such as finding shelter if air raid sirens sound.
Day tours last 3-4 hours but can be extended upon request. The company says profits from all ticket sales will go towards supporting war refugees.
