Business support measures in Anapa and Temryuk district discussed by Kuban Governor
In the aftermath of the oil spill in the Kerch Strait, authorities in Krasnodar Krai have taken decisive action to protect the region's vital tourism infrastructure and preserve jobs in the affected districts.
Veniamin Kondratyev, the Governor of Krasnodar Krai, has spearheaded these efforts, proposing a temporary suspension of the collection of the tourist tax in the affected districts and advocating for restoration work to ensure full capacity reception of guests in the near future.
To further support the tourism industry, a special microloan named "Special Anapa" was launched in February 2023. Through the regional Fund for Microfinancing, this initiative has already helped entrepreneurs obtain over 31 million rubles. The regional guarantee organization and the Corporation for SME Development will continue to provide such support.
The Russian government has also approved a deferral of tax and insurance payments for business representatives in Krasnodar Krai affected by the oil spill's consequences. This decision concerns the deferral of property tax, land tax, and advance payments on them, as well as insurance contributions due for the period from February 2023 to October 2025.
Strict restrictions and warnings have been enforced to protect public health and safety amid the environmental disaster. 141 beaches in Anapa and 9 on the Black Sea coast of Temryuk district are officially closed to visitors and swimmers due to contamination from the fuel oil spill. Tourists found in these prohibited areas face administrative penalties, including fines.
When checking into hotels and sanatoriums in Anapa and Temryuk district, vacationers receive written warnings about the dangers of vacationing on the affected coast. Municipal representatives continue careful cleaning of the beaches where contamination has been detected, and mobile groups and medical volunteers are active in the area to support public safety.
A local state of emergency has been declared at four settlements in Temryuk district and one village in Anapa district in response to the oil spill, allowing for emergency response measures and hopefully enabling some form of aid or support to affected communities, including tourism sectors.
The impact of the spill on tourism occupancy rates is significant. Hotel occupancy rates in Anapa have dropped by approximately 50% compared to the same period last year, indicating a substantial economic impact on the tourism industry in the area.
These measures underscore substantial disruption to tourism due to environmental hazards, with authorities prioritizing public safety and environmental remediation while addressing violations through fines and closures. While direct financial aid or targeted support programs for tourism businesses were not explicitly mentioned, these measures represent the current official responses aimed at managing the crisis and protecting both residents and visitors.
In light of the measures taken, the regional government aims to safeguard the tourism industry in Krasnodar Krai by providing microloans and deferring tax payments for affected businesses in the aftermath of the oil spill. As the Governor of Krasnodar Krai, Veniamin Kondratyev, pushes for the temporary suspension of tourist taxes and restoration work, it's evident that the finance industry plays a crucial role in supporting the region's businesses during this challenging time.
