OREANDA-NEWS. BMI View: Post 2014 Ukraine's tourism market has declined massively due to the on-going conflict with Russia and the annexing of the Crimea. The country had been growing its tourism industry, but many governments now advise citizens not to visit specific parts of Eastern Ukraine. As such, the market is not expected to grow massively over the forecast period. Transport infrastructure and the hotel base also needs development, which is not considered likely due to priorities understandably being on national security.

Key Updates And Forecasts:

- Inbound arrivals are set to grow by 4.3% over 2016, reversing the massive decline seen over the last two years. Total arrivals will reach 11.8mn by the end of the year.

- Air travel connections are expanding a little, with Ukraine International Airlines opening new routes in Kazakhstan and Georgia at the end of 2015/beginning of 2016. This signals that the country is seeking to expand its tourist base, currently overwhelmingly focused on Europe.