Once a popular travel destination, Ukraine is now drawing visitors for an entirely different reason: its transformation into a site for dark tourism amid the ongoing war. Despite the devastation wrought by Russia’s invasion, foreign tourists are increasingly making their way to the country—many to witness the effects of war firsthand.
According to AFP, the number of foreign visitors to Ukraine in 2023 reached 4 million, nearly double that of 2022, when the war began. While most of these visitors are in Ukraine for business, the trend of war tourism is rising. Around 10 companies are now offering tours to war crime sites, including locations like Kyiv, Bucha, and Irpin, where Russian forces committed atrocities against civilians. One of the most prominent companies, War Tour, offers guided trips to these areas, with prices ranging from €150 to €250 (roughly $158 to $264). Since January 2024, the company has hosted around 30 visitors, many coming from Europe and the United States.
Alberto Blasco Vantas from Spain decided to sign up for one of these tours to experience the war’s devastation firsthand. Despite his family’s objections, Blasco flew to Moldova and traveled 18 hours by train to reach Ukraine. “It’s my first time in a war zone,” he said. I’m a bit scared, sure, but you can’t truly understand unless you’re here.”
For some tourists, the desire to experience the thrill of being in a war zone is even stronger, prompting them to take more dangerous tours. One travel company is now offering packages to southern Ukraine, near the front lines, for €3,300 (about $3,481). These high-risk tours are marketed to those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, even as the situation in the region remains volatile.
While many companies offering these tours donate a portion of their profits to support the Ukrainian military, the rise of war tourism has sparked ethical debates. Mikhaylina Skoryk-Shkaryvska, a politician in Irpin—a recently become tourist hotspot—explained that some residents view the influx of tourists as a form of exploitation. “Some residents ask, ‘Why are you here?’ and ‘Why do you want to see our suffering?'” she said. Many see the money generated from war tourism as blood money, profiting from the tragedy and pain of the conflict.
Still, Ukraine’s tourism authorities are defending the practice. According to AFP, they view war tourism as an important tool for raising awareness about the war’s historical significance and ongoing impact. As the country works to rebuild and share its story with the world, officials hope these tours will help ensure that the lessons of this devastating conflict are not forgotten.