Head of the State Agency for Tourism Development Maryana Oleskiv has said that it is very safe for tourists in Ukraine, but there may be low tolerance to cultural specifics.
“I think that Ukrainians are really very tolerant, but there are different people. This is not about danger. It is very safe for tourists in Ukraine. Here we are talking about a possible certain low tolerance to cultural specifics, which can leave an unpleasant impression about the country,” Oleskiv said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.
Also, according to her, there are stories of overpricing in the service sector.
“We need to convey the following to people: that when a foreign tourist comes to them, they can earn $100, or they can inflate the price and earn $200. But then this tourist will not return to you, and ten more people will not come on his recommendation, who could spend another $100. When you come to the country, everything around is delicious and people are hospitable, you feel that there is a positive attitude towards you, you want to return. But when you feel that they want to cheat you everywhere, you do not want to come there again and tell everyone about it,” she said.
In addition, Oleskiv announced that this week she would meet with members the Ministry of Infrastructure to develop a systematic solution to the problem of illegal taxis near airports and train stations.
“Now the question arises who should control this situation, either the State Service of Ukraine for Transport Safety or the National Police. Therefore, clear control mechanisms need to be worked out so that illegal taxis are not able to work in these zones. This is a matter of the country’s image, therefore, taxi operations should be transparent, convenient, understandable for foreigners, safe, with a high level of service,” the head of the agency said
