Saudi tourists flock to Ukraine thanks to visa-free travel

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(16 Aug 2021) LEAD IN:
Less strict COVID-19 rules and new cheap direct flights are attracting a more diverse pool of tourists to Ukraine, especially holidaymakers from Saudi Arabia.
With complicated travel rules in place for other European destinations, Saudi tourists are keen to travel to more traditional, unspoiled destinations without having to obtain a visa.

STORY-LINE:
Ukraine has become one of the top holiday destinations for Saudi tourists during COVID-19, thanks to its visa-free travel and relatively lenient coronavirus rules.
The country requires only a PCR test or express test upon arrival, and no period of quarantine.
Stricter entry requirements have forced Saudi tourists to switch from other more traditional European destinations to Ukraine.
There are multiple daily flights between the two countries, and holidaymakers are taking advantage of new low budget options.
From June, Arabian low-cost carrier Flynas started direct flights from Riyadh to Kyiv.
Ukraine's stunning Carpathian Mountains are a particular attraction for Saudis looking for a traditional experience.
Farhad Aldosaree is a Saudi tourist who's made the trip to the mountains with his family.
He's particularly interested in the Hutsul ethnic group, who live in the mountains and inhabit other parts of western Ukraine.
The charm of the Hutsul villages draw tourists keen to get an insight into cuisine, craft, garments, and rituals, which have remained unchanged for centuries.
"Here, in Ukraine you can touch it, you can see it between (among) the people," says Aldosaree.
Many local hotels have adapted to their new visitors' requirements.
Rooms are offering a Qibla direction finder, dishes have been changed to suit the taste of Saudi tourists and menus are offered in Arabic.
Yuri Tsymbal is the general manager of Ribas Karpaty Hotel.
"And all of this is bringing its results. We have reviewed quite a few dishes and made a menu more adapted to these guests, as well as translated the menu into Arabic and included the dishes that our guests most often order," he says.
With cheap direct flights being offered on a regular basis, it's clear Ukraine is keen to expand its relations with Saudi Arabia.
Ukrainian Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko recently said the country received $40 million USD in revenue from the tourist flow from Arab countries.

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