Ukraine will become the epicenter of cruise tourism

In 2013 was a significant for the Crimea concerning the development of cruise tourism. Nearly 400 cruise ships came at the  main tourist ports - Yalta, Odessa and Sevastopol. This is 20 % more than in the past. In 2006, Ukraine was visited by the first passenger vessel more than 270 meters. At present, out of 100 ships more than half are vessels over 250 meters, and 30% of them are almost of 300 meters. More than 400 cruise ships come to Istanbul each year. As for main tourist ports - Yalta, Odessa and Sevastopol, they have been visited on average by 80 ships until this year.

The start of Yalta commercial seaport cruise infrastructure modernization is scheduled for 2014, according to Yuriy Vaskov, the Head of the State Enterprise Ukraine Seaports Administration. Due to the dredging of the harbor waters, Yalta port will be able to receive large cruise liners, 4 "megaships" longer than 200 meters and with a capacity of over 1,500 people at the same time, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine informs.

Experts say Yalta port is located close to the city center, but is isolated from its infrastructure. The concept of a sea port development envisions reconstruction of quays and expansion of the water area, which will enable the port to receive cruise ships, tour boats for local passenger transportation, and to provide temporary parking spaces for yachts.

After modernization, Yalta port will be able to accept and handle up to 450,000 passengers during the 22 weeks of active navigation. Experts estimate that the profits of the company and the payments to the state budget will increase by 10 times.