SIMPHEROPOL, February 21. /ITAR-TASS/. The latest tragic events in Kiev and other regions of the country have greatly harmed the image of Ukrainian resorts as favourite tourist destinations,” Crimean Minister of Resorts and Tourism Alexander Liev told journalists on Friday.

However, preparations for the upcoming tourist season are underway on the Crimean Black Sea coast “despite evident risks that Ukraine’s tourist image might fall and competition in the Black Sea region might grow as a result of the political crisis”, he said.

“Tourism for Crimea is not only a business and the development of culture, but also the linchpin of peace. One thousand Crimean families work in the tourism industry and the current season is the main source of income for them,” Liev said, adding that works were underway to repair, reconstruct and build new hotels, restaurants and health centres.

The Crimean authorities have promised to ensure comfort and the security of guests on the Crimean peninsula.

Statistics show that about 85,000 tourists have visited Crimea since the beginning of the year. About 34,000 guests are staying at sanatoriums there.