
An open letter to President V.V. Putin of Russia
Just when the world was beginning to get to see the treasures of the Russian culture
Mr. Putin declared war on Ukraine and for the majority of the rest of the world travel to Russia halted.

Because people all over the world have read great literature by Russian writers, listened to the music of Tchaikovsky and other world class composers, watched classical concerts and ballets from Russia and enjoyed the talent and creativity of these performers, it follows that we would want to go there.Â
We know about all the fine art at L'Hermitage and we have had a glimpse of the gorgeous architecture of St. Petersburg.

 Now that the Iron Curtain does not exist curious travellers would be free to explore the vastness of Russia.
But today travel to Russia is restricted and inadvisable.
The Berlin Wall fell in 1989 and in 2004 Dresden was welcoming tourists again. Their Visitors Bureau had invited travel agents to see all the history, artistry, architecture and culture of that lovely city when I visited. World War II had left some very bad memories of the damage inflicted by the Allies - but reparations were being made and tourism helped restore goodwill there. The Gold Cross gift from the United Kingdom was to replace the one on the top of the restored Frauenkirche bombed in 1945.

When I went to the USSR in 1974 tourists were sparse.Â
The only time I saw a long line of tourists was at Lenin’s tomb.Â
The Renovation and restoration of famous palaces, museums and cathedrals was taking place. However, many grand buildings were still closed to the public because of the lack of necessary material and artisans needed to carefully renew everything.

After the year 2000 Tourism in Russia had begun to flourish and foreigners were flocking there to experience, not only the art, architecture and culture of Russia, but to get to know the Russian people, their hospitality and eagerness to share with others.Â
Russians, for many generations, had been cloistered by their governments for far too long.
Just think of the expanse of Russia that has not been explored or exposed to tourists – AND how the beautiful scenery, architecture, museums, wildlife, fine art, religious artifacts, ballets, operas, folk dancing, circus performances and athletics could be enjoyed if it wasn't for Mr. Putin declaring war on Ukraine.
Tourism can do a lot for the economy of any destination. BUT, today we are witnessing a backlash of a sort when we see famous attractions, i.e., The Parthenon, suffer from too many tourists.Â




Many cities are levying a tourism tax on visitors to limit numbers, reduce damage and pay for overloaded services incurred by worn out infrastructures. Greedy travel companies who send shiploads of visitors within a limited time frame can be blamed for the huge influx too.
Amsterdam has imposed a tourist tax because of all the "Stag Parties" bringing groups of young men (and women on "Hen Parties) there for the tolerant, diverse, permissive (loose) atmosphere of drugs and prostitution. These are NOT rude Americans.
 I don’t think any of that is happening in Russia; I think tourism has probably dried up.
Are sanctions working in Russia? Has anyone reported on the Russian economy today?
Look what happened in Lebanon, Beirut used to be 'The Paris of the Middle East'.
It had world class shopping, beach resorts, sun and fun and even snow skiing - and now it is barely alive with no civil leadership and a collapsed economy.

While visitors may appreciate all the treasures of the world, tourism can also be beneficial to so many different factors, never mind the goodwill created by people getting acquainted.
Mr. Putin could be making jobs for Russians not war. If hotels would get more business, they would be incentivized to update properties and create more hospitality jobs. More factories would be needed to manufacture goods - furniture, carpeting, linens and bedding, etc. Jobs would be created to provide the craftsmen, decorators, designers, engineers, tradesmen and retailers.Â
Tourism in any country needs restaurants, souvenirs, vehicles, personnel, guides, drivers, mechanics, but in Russia they need experts to do all the restoration work on gorgeous ceilings and floors. It is required that visitors wear felt bags over their shoes to walk into some of the Palaces of St. Petersburg as the floors are works of art.

I remember taking the luxury train from St. Petersburg (then Leningrad) back to Moscow – does that still exist? In 1974 the sleeper had comfortable beds, cozy linens/blanket with soap and towel under the down pillow. A White linen runner ran down the aisle on top of the carpeting. An attendant was at the end of each carriage with Samovar, tea, glass cups and sugar available all night. Optional Piped classical music switch beside your bunk.


 What has happened to all the talented performers? Are Orchestras still performing and filling seats? The Bolshoi Ballet cannot maintain its high standards unless they perform competitively on the world stage and it is the same for musicians. New talent needs to be recruited.Â

Is there a future for young people in Russia who are planning their careers?
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