Ukraine’s state agency for tourism development (SATD) has been offered a three-year complimentary ETC membership, the commission confirmed at its general meeting Slovenia, with a view to welcoming Ukraine on a permanent basis in future.

The SATD typically works to popularise Ukrainian tourism in domestic and foreign markets, but its work has largely come to a halt following Russia’s invasion. SATD chair Mariana Oleskiv joined ETC delegates remotely as an honorary guest.

Speaking at the meeting, Oleskiv shared first-hand insights into the effect of the conflict on Ukraine’s travel sector, including the work of the SATD and the country’s tourism community to support the war effort, such as organising evacuations and temporary shelters, as well as finding job opportunities for tourism workers in safe regions.

ETC membership will grant the SATD access to its resources, research and data. "It is hoped that through this membership, SATD will be better placed to help strategise for the recovery of the Ukrainian travel sector once the war ends," said the ETC.

Oleskiv said: "In these horrible times, when our country and industry are under attack, it is heartening to receive such strong support from our partners all across Europe. Ukraine belongs to the European family, and we look forward to working together with ETC. We will restore Ukraine’s travel and tourism and make it better together."

ETC president Luis Araujo continued: “The European Travel Commission remains steadfast in its condemnation of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. The founding principle of ETC is to promote travel as a catalyst for peace, understanding and respect.

"Extending complimentary membership to the state agency for tourism development of Ukraine is an act of solidarity and ETC will do its utmost to support its Ukrainian colleagues. We firmly believe that tourism is an instrument of peace, and we stand by Ukraine to help rebuild its travel sector once the situation allows.”

The ETC added: "Supporting Ukraine’s tourism is also in line with ETC’s ongoing mission to strengthen and promote Europe as a destination in foreign markets and build the value of tourism for European destinations through cooperation.

"This is important given the impact the conflict is already having on European countries that neighbour Ukraine and Russia, as well as those European destinations reliant on tourists visiting from both regions."