Coronavirus lockdown to reorient tourism industry to domestic market – Oleskiv

She said this during an online international investment forum entitled "Tavrian Horizons," according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Tourism is a very important industry both in terms of attracting investment and in terms of economic development, including the employment of the population, particularly vulnerable groups - young people, retirees, and women. That is, the industry plays an extremely important role," Oleskiv said.

She noted that the agency is working and will continue to work with all market participants on the development of domestic tourism.

"Outbound tourism operators have been severely affected [by the coronavirus pandemic and the introduction of lockdown]. Their activity has been halted. The priority for us is to reorient them to domestic tourism and later to inbound tourism. Attracting investments to Ukraine, including tourists from other countries, should be the main priority for the state," Oleskiv said.

According to her, the State Agency for Tourism Development holds meetings, including with tour operators and hotel representatives regarding their cooperation in the creation of a quality tourism product.

"Although we will temporarily have travel restrictions, we will work to make this demand steady so that it does not end after borders reopen," she said.

In this context, she emphasized the importance of developing respective sanitary and hygiene standards for travel.

"This applies to transport, placement in hotels and restaurants so that tourists feel safe," Oleskiv said.

Ukraine's government introduced lockdown on March 12 to counter the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The lockdown was then extended until May 11.

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