There is now a direct connection from the Russian airline Norwind between Moscow and Margarita; in Venezuela. The line was reactivated on October 2 after a seven-month hiatus due to the war in Ukraine. It avoids the overflight of certain airspaces prohibited to the Russians because of the sanctions. But, at Margarita, a large “Welcome” sign written in Russian welcomes newcomers. Nearly 3,000 Russian tourists have passed through the international airport in the past two months.
Margarita was once a popular seaside resort for European and North American tourists, but the economic and political crisis has made the country disappear from the preferred destinations of tour operators. Today the Russians are the main foreign contingent. The majority of Russian tourists avoid talking about the war. The staunchest supporters of President Vladimir Putin assure that “everything is fine”, before refusing to speak on the subject.
Russian tourists usually stay in hotels where everything is included. Many of them have undertaken to “Russify” their services, with announcements in Russian and at least one interpreter. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has signed an agreement with Russia, a strong ally, to welcome some 100,000 tourists until December 31.