Tourism During a Crisis

Nowadays almost every Russian knows and understands that the economic crisis, which has been sweeping the country for several months, is not a temporary phenomenon that could suddenly change radically and send the country's development back to its former course.

At present, due to the inability to refinance and obtain new loans, most companies cannot operate as before; for this reason the majority are either cutting staff or sending employees on unpaid leave. Naturally, in the current situation the crisis affects all spheres of production and human activity, including construction. This is already happening. Real estate prices are gradually falling, but that does not prompt potential buyers to invest their money in it. And the lack of such demand forces construction companies to stop or freeze work.

There is already an opinion that the crisis will not affect only the construction projects in the city of Sochi, and there are objective reasons for this. Indeed, stopping construction even during a global crisis is an unaffordable "luxury" for the entire country. After all, the Olympics are a kind of trust in the country shown by all nations; they are prestige and an indicator of the development of the whole state. Many are familiar with the American president's remark that a country's prestige is determined by the number of Olympic medals and rockets it produces.

Another "coin" in Russia's prestige piggy bank was Russia's victory at Eurovision, and the fact that the next contest will be held in our country is also a tribute to our talents from around the world. Tickets for Eurovision 2009 can already be purchased.

Naturally, events such as Eurovision and the Olympics in Sochi will attract not only a large number of fans from our country, but also tourists from other countries. In this respect an important issue in addressing the large influx of foreign guests is the question of their accommodation.

Therefore, those who cannot find space in hotel rooms and need to book now should consider renting apartments by the day, which in some cases is even more cost-effective and convenient than staying in a good hotel.