Russian tourists watch elections in Abkhazia ahead of summer season

The Abkhazian parliament has introduced a bill allowing the opening of additional voting centers in addition to those in Moscow and Cherkessk. Political processes in Abkhazia are watched by millions of Russians before the summer season.

According to Dmitry Gorin, vice president of the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST), Abkhazia is among the leaders in outbound destinations.

"Last year, 1.5 million Russian tourists visited this country only for tourist purposes. If the situation is stable and calm, then, of course, tourists will choose Abkhazia," Gorin added.

In turn, the expert on domestic tourism PCT, commercial director of the tour operator Oksana Bulakh pointed to the slowdown in demand in the tourism sector due to the fall riots that took place in Abkhazia.

"It is clear that what was happening in the fall raised questions among tourists. Now everyone is waiting for the elections. We see a decrease in demand by more than 20% compared to the same period last year," she said.

According to Izvestia correspondent Valentin Trushnin, the situation in the republic is calm at the moment.

Apsny for real: Abkhazia plunges into economic crisis

In the republic, electricity is cut off and salaries are stopped being paid

On November 12, 2024, there were clashes near the building of the State Security Service in the capital of Abkhazia. On November 15, a truck of protesters broke the gates of the parliament fence, and some protesters entered the territory. On November 19, Aslan Bzhania tendered his resignation from the post of president of the republic, on the same day Abkhaz Vice-President Badra Gunba became acting head of state.

Later, on December 25, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that Russia expects Abkhazia to fulfill its investment commitments under the agreements. Before that, on December 23, Russia started humanitarian supplies of electricity to the republic.

Presidential elections inAbkhazia will be held in the republic on February 15. This year, the Central Election Commission will open two polling stations in Russia and one in Turkey.