Tourist fee temporarily suspended.
Suspension of Tourist Tax in Anapa for 2025 in Response to Economic and Environmental Challenges
Anapa City Council deputies voted to temporarily halt the tourist tax during their 74th session, with the attendance of Mayor Vasily Shvets and Anapa Interregional Prosecutor Sergey Chikarov. This decision aims to provide support to individuals working in Anapa's sanatorium-resort and hotel complex, adversely affected by the aftermath of an emergency.
Speaking at the session, Mayor Shvets expressed his approval of Governor Veniamin Kondratyev's proposed suspension of the tourist tax in municipalities where emergency aftermath liquidation is ongoing. He also expressed optimism that this measure would aid the resort business and serve as an additional incentive for tourists, according to the Anapa administration press service.
Amid the increased demand for summer trips to Anapa, concerns about the environment, following a toxic Black Sea oil spill, have caused a significant decline in bookings. In early 2025, demand dropped by 60–65% compared to the previous year, and approximately 20% of early-bird bookings were canceled. Suspending the tax is intended to make Anapa more appealing to visitors and help local businesses recover financially.
As reported by the "Kuban 24" internet portal, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko stated that the resort season in Anapa and the Temryuk District will proceed, despite temporary beach closures.
Supporting local businesses in the hospitality and resort sectors and counteracting the decline in tourism are significant reasons for the suspension of the tourist tax. Broad government initiatives, including the deferral of insurance and tax payments for local businesses, along with favorable loan restructuring, form part of the comprehensive aid package aimed at bolstering the local economy.
In summary, the suspension of the tourist tax is part of a broader economic relief package designed to help Anapa's tourism-dependent economy weather the effects of environmental disasters and booking cancellations.
The suspension of the tourist tax in Anapa for 2025 is not only a response to the aftermath of an emergency but also a strategic move to support the struggling sanatorium-resort and hotel industry. This financial relief may attract more tourists, boosting the local lifestyle and travel sectors, as recovery efforts are ongoing.
The Mayor, in agreement with Governor Veniamin Kondratyev, believes that this industry-targeted measure will aid the resort business, counteracting the decline in tourism, and aiding in the recovery of Anapa's local finance.
