EURO2012 To Boost Ukraine's Tourism

By Nabilah Saleh KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- Ukraine may not be that well known among Malaysians, but come June, football crazy Malaysians would surely have their eyes on this country of 46 million people when it co-hosts the EURO2012 with Poland from June 8 to July 1. This period could also very well see fans and tourists, which could touch up to one million, streaming into this second largest country in Europe. Ukraine's envoy Ihor V. Humennyi said that the Ukrainian government was targeting around one million tourists and asssured that football fans could expect to get warm hospitality and get to know the country's cultural heritage. There are more than 130 nationalities and ethnic groups with different cultural and religious backgrounds in Ukraine, which gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. "We are positive that our tourism and travel industry will be boosted during the big event," the ambassador to Malaysia told Bernama recently. Hummenyi said that all four arenas or stadiums where the finals would take place are popular tourist destinations namely Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv and Donetsk. Preparations wise, Ukraine is set to host the game where 16 teams will compete and perhaps show off some unforgettable goals and the emergence of a new star or two. Humennyi said Ukraine's government had been focusing on the development of transport and tourism infrastructure, which took up an investment of some US$5 billion to US$7 billion, to cater to the expected inrease in passenger traffic. "There has been intensive construction and reconstruction of infrastructure like roads, runways, railway system, airports and terminals," he said, adding that Ukraine had bought high speed trains from a South Korean company, which would connect the country's host cities, for fans to get around and reduce their travel time. "Many parties have contributed, including the government and non-governmental sector so much so that the 'face' of Urkaine is already changing," he said, pointing out that the improvement in the country's infrastructure had also enhanced the country's international image. He brushed aside talk that what had been spent for the EURO 2012 was a waste, saying that Ukrainians had worked hard for this event and the government had invested greatly. "In fact the overall changes done for the country is as if it is a leap ahead in quality of 20 years. The citizens can enjoy using the facilities for decades," Humennyi said. Asked on whether there would be enough accommodation for the fans and tourists, the ambassador said there had been a significant investment in hotels in the capital since April 2007, when EURO 2012 was awarded to Ukraine and Poland. "We are making sure that there will be enough hotels and accommodation. The government will try to solve any problems which arise, including prices charged by the hoteliers," he added. He said that it was not appropriate for them to increase the room rates to take advantage of the tournament. "The government will advise them not to simply hike up the price but instead to give the appropriate rates in accordance with the hotel services," he said. As for security, Humennyi said that the government was taking steps to ensure the safefty of fans and tourists alike. "During the three weeks, we will implement measures to safeguard the people from any menaces that are illegal and threatening. Fans should not be worried as we are totally responsible and committed to doing everything we can so that all will be safe accordingly." - - BERNAMA