Poon Tip has been banned from entering Russia in a tit-for-tat move by the Kremlin in response to sanctions imposed by the Canadian government in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
"What Russia is doing is horrifying," said Poon Tip. "I welcome this sanction as it gives us an opportunity to speak out again about the atrocity of the war against Ukraine.
"I will continue to support the further sanctioning of Russia until they leave the sovereign nation of Ukraine, and stop destroying a beautiful proud country and killing innocent people."
Poon Tip said G Adventures "spoke out early" on Russia’s actions by cancelling its Russia tour programme, refusing to host Russian nationals resident in the country on its trips, or take bookings for its tours from Russian agencies.
"The fact I am now being personally sanctioned in return underpins my commitment to fighting the good fight," Poon Tip continued, while recognising the impact the counter-sanctions were having on Russia’s tourism industry and the local communities no longer able to benefit from tourism."
Poon Tip added: "I have always said travel can be the fastest path to peace. It’s only by connecting with other cultures that we can foster connection and understanding between different countries and communities. If I have to be sanctioned to get this message across, I’ll wear it as a badge of honour.
"Travel is the most powerful way we can open our hearts, minds, and eyes to the beauty of the world, especially in the darkest of times. This cultural exchange is the backbone of what I built this company on 32 years ago and it must continue, but not at the expense of innocent people."
