Chernobyl Plant and Slavutych City Launch Post‑War Tourism Initiative
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Memorandum signed to develop tourism post‑war – The Chernobyl nuclear power plant and Slavutych City authorities have signed a cooperation memorandum aimed at reviving local tourism after the war, targeting both national and international visitors [1].
Goal to boost attractiveness and preserve memory – The agreement states it will enhance Slavutych’s tourist appeal, preserve historical memory of the 1986 disaster, and create a positive image for the region at home and abroad [1].
Support for museum, info centre, exhibitions, and events – The framework provides backing for the Slavutych city museum, a tourist information centre, expanded exhibitions on Chernobyl, thematic excursions, conferences, festivals, and educational study tours involving plant specialists and scientists [1].
Education and guide training included – Joint participation in training courses, seminars and research for guides and scholars on Chernobyl, nuclear energy and ecology is a key component of the cooperation [1].
2019 Zelensky decree set tourism groundwork – A 2019 presidential decree removed the filming ban in the exclusion zone and called for “popularising” Chernobyl tourism, framing the area as a growth point for Ukraine’s brand [1].
War halted tourism; shelter damaged by drone – Russian invasion in February 2022 stopped visitor flows, and in February a drone strike damaged the New Safe Confinement shelter, creating 330 openings in its outer cladding [3].
- Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant state enterprise: “This will contribute to the development of the tourist attractiveness of the Slavutych community and the region as a whole, the preservation of historical memory, and the formation of a positive image both at the national and international levels.”
- President Volodymyr Zelensky (2019 decree): “We must give this territory of Ukraine a new lease of life. Until now, Chernobyl has been a negative component of the Ukrainian brand. It's time to change that. We must showcase this place to the world: to scientists, ecologists, historians, tourists.”