When the tiny 10,000 square mile (27 km) peninsula known as Crimea fell into political unrest, its future was in doubt.  The row which started in the aftermath of an election pitted Western powers against Russia in what became a standoff over time.  Despite its elections to the contrary, the official record for the U.S. government is that Crimea is a part of the Ukraine; while Russian holds an opposite view.

With a population of just over 2 million souls, Crimea fell into violent unrest which threatened to tear the small semi-autonomous nation apart and sink its economy.  While miniscule in comparison to its neighbors, Crimea holds a special position in the region on its Black Sea, holding vast lucrative natural gas (LNG) and oil resources.  The alignment of such a nation could sway the financial and trade fortunes of any nation to which it allied itself.

Small but mighty, Crimea has embarked on an effort to increase tourism in recent times as it seeks to expand its economic future.  Most recently, a release by the Republic of Crimea indicated that at the end of April 2019, it opened Olenevka Village, which will be “one of five tourist clusters, the creation of which is provided for by the Federal Target Program “Social and Economic Development of the Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol.”  The new village will comprise 250 duplex houses, a pharmacy, medical center and food court among other amenities.  The “village” lies along a beach situated on the Black Sea offering unique vistas and pleasant temperatures.

While the standoff between the U.S. and Russia continues, it is clear that Crimea is moving forward with plans to welcome visitors and diversify its local economy.  It will be interesting to see what international businesses the administration will court as it diversifies.