There was a time when Western Europe was the destination of choice for Russian tourists.
But things have changed.
Max, a Russian in his 40s, used to stroll museums in France, enjoy fine cuisine in Italy, and go on hikes on the hills of Spain.
Then Russia invaded Ukraine. This year, Max, who told CNBC that he’s not comfortable sharing his last name, “did not even consider” Europe as a vacation destination.
“I am aware of the problems with obtaining visas to European countries,” he said.
Last week, the European Union agreed to suspend a 2007 travel agreement with Moscow which facilitated the issuance of visas to Russians. The move will make it more difficult and expensive for Russians to travel to the bloc.
In the future, when Putin leaves and we become a normal country again, I hope that I will be able to visit Europe again.
The closure