The war and tourism: security issues and business opportunities in shadow of Russian war against Ukraine

Abstract The effects of war have far-reaching consequences. They bring numerous victims—also civilians, destruction of infrastructure, enterprises, and citizens’ property. They cause political instability and lead to great security concerns, especially in tourist destinations. Experience with various wars indicates a minimum three-year negative effect of warfare on the tourism industry. The terrorist industry is also negatively affected by terrorism, which can occur regardless of the duration of the war itself. Terrorist attacks are deliberately organized in such a way as to evoke images of human victims, which affects the fear of tourist arrivals to such heavily burdened places. The paper discusses potential scenarios for the continuation of the war and its impact on the operational activity of international business with Russia. Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine brings closer the threat of war itself and shock to various industries, including the tourism industry. The paper presents the effects of the war on tourist trips from Russia but also Ukraine and its effects on traditional touristic destinations. Issues of threats to business are raised but also opportunities appearing on the horizon. The visa ban for Russians introduced by the EU with the simultaneous escalating and ruthless Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians does not inspire optimism. It should be expected that the 2023 tourist season will remain burdened with the stigma of war and the limited movement of Russians around Europe.