Our podcast episode today is based on a cover story by photographer and writer Mark Edward Harris’ visit to Odesa, Ukraine, where he reported on the sights and sounds of the city and its tourism past. In this piece, he showcases the situation in Odesa but also what the tourism industry in Ukraine is doing to assist the country in wartime: Activating connections all over the country to aid in humanitarian work.

Harris reconnected with National Tourism Organization of Ukraine president Ivan Liptuga about how Ukrainian tourism companies are using their networks to assist refugees. The history of Ukraine's tourism and its target markets. How conflict has a long-lasting impact on traveler's decisions. And what travelers might appreciate about Ukraine -- from spas to skiing, culinary tourism and city breaks -- once the war has ended. 

This episode was recorded Thursday, July 7, and has been edited for length and clarity.

Travel Weekly's related reports on Ukraine:

Ukraine tourism in wartime

An update on a tour operator featured in TW

Arnie Weissmann's column: Why are global hotel companies still operating in Russia? 

Talking to travel clients about the Ukraine situation

Ukraine's tourism organization and campaigns:

The Scream for Ukraine campaign

National Tourism Organization of Ukraine

Mark Edward Harris additional work for Travel Weekly:

Nepal Rising

North Korea: Inside the Hermit Kingdom

Exploring Brazil's Panatal

Mark Edward Harris' website and Instagram

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.