Kerch claims the status of a resort of local importance

The authorities of the originally industrial city of Kerch have also decided to give the city the status of a resort of local importance. This will allow the city to receive material support from the state for the development of the region as a tourist resort center. By the new holiday season of 2013, the City Hall will develop a package of documents for granting this status. This year they have already drafted and submitted it to the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea. Kerch authorities have also conducted an extensive advertising campaign to popularize their resorts and recreational opportunities of the Kerch region. This had a positive result. The inflow of tourists from Russia and western regions of Ukraine has increased.

The city beach was completely reconstructed. The sand was renewed, gazebos, deck chairs and inflatable slides were put in place. These actions completely changed the impression of the beach and gave solidity to the city. Also the City Hall contributed to the unique festival of music and actual art «Neighboring World» 2012, which is held annually in different resort corners of the country. In 2011 it was recognized as the best festival in Ukraine according to «TOP — Fest 2011». In summer 2012 it was visited by more than 40 bands and performers from Ukraine, Belarus, Russia. Also was organized a fascinating and informative tour of Crimea for foreign and Ukrainian tourists. These events also contributed to the popularization of the city as a resort. That has a not insignificant role in the assignment of this status to the city.

Recall that the status of the city-resort of local importance Kerch wanted and tried to get back in 2007. But because of the abundance of required documentation and the lack of a clear master plan, the city was denied many of the expertise required in the assignment of this status. In addition, in order to obtain this status, the city had to put in order the city beaches, to carry out expansions and hang comfort conditions in the waiting room of the ferry crossing. Also, one of the conditions was set restoration of architectural monuments, which are abundant on the Kerch Peninsula. As a consequence, the Kerch City Hall decided to delay the submission of documents for consideration by the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea.

Now all the conditions have been met. The authorities of the region hope that the new holiday season 2013 Kerch region will start in the status of resort and tourist center.