MAKHACHKALA, April 19 – RIA Dagestan. The recent media coverage of flooding in Dagestan has led to widespread cancellations of bookings for the May holidays. However, regional authorities and tour operators assure that the main tourist routes and services are fully operational and prepared to welcome visitors.
In late March and early April, heavy rainfall caused extensive flooding across Dagestan, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency. Videos and images of flooded areas and damaged roads circulated on social media, creating a perception of widespread danger among potential tourists. Experts say this information surge was the main reason behind the mass cancellations of planned tours for the upcoming weeks.
Despite this, the regional Ministry of Transport and Road Infrastructure reported that road networks to key tourist destinations were mostly unaffected.
According to the Alliance of Travel Agencies, bookings for tours to Dagestan during the May holidays have dropped by about 27%. Representatives from local tourism businesses report even higher numbers.
A spokesperson from the travel agency Lazurny Bereg also confirmed cancellations for the next two to three weeks but emphasized that most tourist routes and attractions resumed regular operations. Companies actively share updated photos and videos with partners to confirm that facilities operate normally.
The Ministry of Tourism and Folk Artistic Crafts of Dagestan describes the decline as moderate and temporary. The ministry assures that airports, accommodations, restaurants, and main tourist attractions are ready to receive guests. Minister Emin Merdanov announced that moderate growth in tourist arrivals is still expected by the end of 2026.
Authorities anticipate that visitor numbers will return to projected levels by late May, with the start of the peak tourism season. A significant increase in tourism flow is expected following the opening of the Caspian Coastal Cluster infrastructure project.