War reaches Putin's favored Black Sea resort, FT analyzes

The conflict in Ukraine is increasingly affecting Russia's popular Black Sea resorts, traditionally a favored destination for President Vladimir Putin. Drone attacks and oil spills have contributed to a 10.8% decline in tourist numbers compared to the previous year, according to data from the Southern Hotels Association AMOS.

This perceived threat appears to have deterred even Putin himself. While he maintained a frequent presence in Sochi, with 24 visits in 2021, his trips have dwindled to just two in 2024 and 2025 combined since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine commenced. Putin reportedly has an official residence in Sochi and a lavish palace near Gelendzhik.

Despite the heightened security concerns and reduced presidential visits, ordinary Russians continue to flock to the Black Sea coast. Beaches and cafes remain crowded, even amidst frequent air raid alerts. This trend is partly driven by the fact that over 65% of Russia's population has never been abroad, and 30% have never left their home region. Following Western sanctions and flight cancellations after 2022, domestic tourism now accounts for over 80% of Russian travel, with the Krasnodar region being a popular destination, though also a frequent target for Ukrainian drones.