Anapa's summer bookings soar 40% as beaches reopen after oil spill cleanup
Bookings for summer holidays in Anapa have surged by 30–40% compared to early 2025. The sharp rise follows years of decline, including a 57% drop in early 2025 after an oil spill and beach closures. Now, with cleanup efforts nearly complete, tourists are returning to the budget-friendly Black Sea resort. Anapa's tourism industry suffered in recent years due to environmental setbacks. A 2024 oil spill led to beach restrictions, causing a steep fall in visitors. While other Russian resorts like Gelendzhik (+25%) and Sochi (+6.5%) saw steady growth in early 2026, Anapa struggled to recover—until now.
Cleanup operations have removed over 90% of the fuel oil contamination. Authorities confirm the water is safe, and beaches are set to reopen by June 1, 2026. A new sand layer, at least 50 centimetres thick, will be added following guidelines from Rospotrebnadzor. Despite the downturn, Anapa remains the most affordable Black Sea destination. Real estate prices have risen by just 2–3% over the past year, far below inflation in other coastal areas. However, experts warn that prices could climb once the beaches fully reopen, bringing Anapa in line with pricier rivals.
The surge in bookings marks a turning point for Anapa after years of decline. With beaches reopening and contamination cleared, the resort is regaining its appeal. If demand continues, costs for visitors and property buyers may soon match those of other top Black Sea destinations.
