In recent years, the area around the Chernobyl accident reactor has developed into a real tourist hotspot. The corona pandemic put a damper on this, but since February 19, 2022 it has come to an end. The restricted area is again a real restricted area.

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which was damaged in 1986, and the former worker's start in Pripyat are now considered the epitome of so-called dark tourism. What started with a few exceptions has now become a significant source of income. Thousands of tourists are guided through the contaminated area by various providers every year. In view of the high number of people who are "smuggled" through the area every day, one can certainly speak of mass tourism.

The entry and quarantine regulations issued due to the corona pandemic have put a damper on this development. The international audience has only traveled to Ukraine to a small extent. However, what the little virus couldn't do: complete cessation of dark tourism.

However, given the fact that Russian troops have been stationed near the border on the Belarusian side, the Ukrainian authorities have completely banned tourism in the exclusion zone. Since February 19, 2022, guided tours in Chernobyl and Prypiat are no longer allowed. Ukraine's military presence has also been significantly increased.

In the tourism section, Aviation:Direct took a closer look at the “tourist magnet” at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. In this report there are also numerous photos showing the condition at the time of the research.