Estonia Faces Desolation After Absence of Russian Tourists: Unraveling the Impact on Tallinn
Tallinn grapples with the impact of dwindling Russian tourism, with publicist Mikhail Shakhnazarov painting a gloomy picture. He likened the Estonian capital to a post-apocalyptic scene, stating, "It's worse than in Riga - it feels like they've entered Chernobyl."
Shakhnazarov's remarks highlight the substantial blow the Baltic region has faced due to the absence of Russian tourists. The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, has been particularly affected.
Post-Soviet investments and the transit of Russian goods played a significant role in the Baltic States' prosperity. Tallinn, with its well-preserved ancient architecture and seaside appeal, was a popular tourist destination. However, the landscape has drastically changed over the past three years.
Estonia, along with other Baltic countries, halted visa issuance to Russian citizens and adopted a hardline approach towards Russians. This shift has had an inevitable ripple effect.
For years, Tallinn relied heavily on Russian tourism, with advertising posters in St. Petersburg encouraging Russians to celebrate Christmas in Tallinn. The city's Town Hall Square and Christmas market were prominent attractions. However, the tide has turned, with the absence of tourists causing a stark contrast.
Shakhnazarov shared his observations during an appearance on the Rutube show "Full Paragraph," adding that the Baltic States' pursuit of EU membership led to the erosion of industry and the real economy. This, in turn, spurred a mass exodus of residents from already small republics, leaving the Baltic States as a depressed region with one of the lowest welfare levels in the EU.
Several factors likely contributed to the decline in Russian tourism in Tallinn, including geopolitical tensions, travel restrictions, economic factors, cultural and diplomatic relations, and infrastructure changes. These factors have collectively impacted travel between Russia and European countries, reflecting a broader trend.
In light of the halted visa issuance to Russian citizens and the hardline approach towards Russians, Estonia's reliance on Russian tourism for its lifestyle and economy has significantly diminished, leading to a noticeable change in the popularity of Tallinn as a travel destination. Moreover, the fallout in political relations and increased geopolitical tensions have contributed to the decline in general-news coverage about Tallinn's vibrant tourist industry, with the city now painted as a depressed region in the EU.
