How does the International Political Conflict Influence the Tourism Industry in Russia, Moscow?

Author: Alina Lule University: University of Wolverhampton

Abstract:
This discussion paper briefly analyses the relation between political unrest, conflicts and tourism industry. Political issues are raised regarding the current situation in Moscow, Russia. Moreover, the study discusses the socio-politic factors influencing tourism demand.

Keywords:
Destination image, political crisis, tourism recovery, political views.

Discussion Paper:
Political unrest or international conflicts have a major influence on the tourism industry. As tourism contributes to the economic growth of the host country, it is always essential for countries to manage successfully the consequences of crises or international conflicts as these prevent the development of inbound tourism. The great reputation and image of any country as a tourist destination could be threatened as political issues have a devastating effect Moutinho (2000).
Current situation in Russia, Moscow reveals that tourism industry is influenced negatively by worsening political situation between West and Russia, because of the aggression from Russian Federation towards Crimea that led to sanctions from West including Europe and America (Foy and Spiegel, 2014). Subsequently unwelcomed attitude toward America appeared. Glaesser (2006) in his study highlights the essential factor in tourism as country’s relationship with other nations. So how does the international political conflict between countries influence the inbound tourism industry in Russia, Moscow?
It can be highlighted that according to Godwin (2014) Russia currently is seeing a significant drop in inbound tourism, especially decreased European and American tourists. The aggression toward Ukraine is putting off huge numbers of potential tourist due to the incompatible political views. They see Moscow as an unwelcomed and insecure place. The mass media is a powerful force in modern life, society and the images, headlines and reporting of global events have displayed the immediacy of threats posed by crisis to tourist destination (Page and Connell, 2014). According to Glaesser (2006, p.20) “news presented through the media has an effect on attitudes especially if information is sought for opinion-forming or opinions are formed for the first time”. Moreover, the author states that the country image is a result of the information that the consumer constantly takes in.
As tourism industry contributes to the revenue for the host country, currently the Russian Federation government is focusing on the domestic tourism development due to the competing political views with other countries. Tourists desire to stay in their home country rather then travel abroad as due to the current economic situation, when the ruble tumbled against the dollar and euro. According to Razumny, (2014) recently Russia directed force to decrease the use of a variety of global services. Furthermore, the author states that for the domestic tourists new payment systems were announced due to the fact that Visa and MasterCard stopped services in two Russian banks sanctioned by the U.S..
However, the rapid decline in tourist flows from the Europe and America does not mean that there is no opportunity for the destination to be demanded. As it is known, Russian and Chinese politic partnership is not a contemporary phenomenon (Egorova, 2015). Inbound tourism from the Europe and America side has decreased, however, Chinese tourists feel to be welcomed in Russia. According to Egorova (2015) more than one million tourists from China traveled to Russia during the past year, moreover, the Russian and Chinese governments plan to increase the number to 5 million tourists. For the further cooperation in tourism industry new company called "Visit Russia" was created with the aim of Russia promotion as a tourist destination on the international market (Barentsnova, 2014). Mostly the company is directed to reach the Chinese audience, as branches of the company will be opened in China as a part of the “Visit Russia” project. In addition to the promotion projects, infrastructure between Moscow and Chine cities is planned to be developed for the tourist’s convenience and trust.
International political conflicts between countries undoubtedly affect the mass attitude and opinion that lead to the tourism industry changes. In case of conflict between Europe, America and Russia inbound tourism from West decreased precipitously in recent years. For Moscow as a destination, tourism industry contributed to an economic growth, however, the situation changed completely. It is therefore can be concluded that these changes are not a verdict as there are alternative opportunities as a domestic tourism development or partnership with the countries that share the same political views. However, the destination image in crises is needed to be promoted and advertised worldwide to attract new tourists from around the world with the aim of inbound tourism development in the future. Promotion through the mass media is the most effective tool for the destination image improvement and for reaching the large number of consumers. It is always important to cope with the political issues as these have a great impact on different industries within the country.

References:

Egorova, K., 2015. Russia aims to boost numbers of Chinese tourists to 5 million a year. [online]. [Accessed 27 April 2015].Available at: < http://rbth.co.uk/business/2015/03/30/russia_aims_to_boost_numbers_of_chinese_tourists_to_5_million_a_year_44823.html>
GLAESSER, D., 2006. Crisis management in the tourism industry. Amsterdam; Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Godwin, N., 2014. Russia seeing drop in European and American tourists. [online]. [Accessed 27 April 2015].Available at: < http://www.travelweekly.com/Europe-Travel/Russia-seeing-drop-in-European-and-American-tourists/>

The reason for choosing this particular piece on the subject of political unrest is the interest of the subject.

This piece is very informative well written and clear to read. The text contains many interesting facts form academia including a good variety of in text citation. The beginning to the discussion paper discusses the impact political unrest has on current tourism trends and the influence this potentially has on tourism in the host country, the paper mentions specifically how inbound tourism is affected. The author has backed up their statement of countries being by political unrest with an academic reference. The article moves on then to discuss the current political situation in Russia and tension between the West and Russia, these areas being Europe and America. The argument highlights the tension with Russia is mirrored with tension in America.

The author then goes on to mention that tourism into Russia has seen a seen a significant decrease, especially European and American tourists. An interesting quote has been inserted by the author and backs up the claim of news and media influences on tourist behaviour. The article then moves on to the decrease in tourism and the effects this has on Russia as the revenue from tourism is ceasing to exist and how the domestic tourism market needs to be explored.
The author states that although European and American tourism has taken a downturn, there has been an upsurge in the Chinese market.

There is a statement that declares the Chinese and Russian governments will work together to try and increase visits to five million tourists into Russia. To create further popularity for Russian tourism a company called “visit Russia” was formed designed to cement and strengthen Chinese and Russian relationships.
This author then goes on to develop the argument that conflicts in countries certainly has an effect on mass tourism and political unrest.

The decrease of visitors from the Western world has seen a significant decrease and this needs to be addressed to other countries to increase the tourist appeal. The author then concludes their argument by focussing on media contribution to political unrest. Media interest and involvement can have a positive or a negative impact to a destination and the industries involved in that country.

This piece is very well written and has lots of interesting facts all acknowledged from academic sources. The author has designed a well-balanced argument with positive and negative attributes on the tourism situation in Russia and how the Russian government are trying to increase the number of tourists by appealing to different markets and world origins.