Proposals for an integrated development of the Odessa region were presented at a meeting of local authorities with the participation of President Volodymyr Zelensky, on a working trip to Odessa, including a draft development strategy for Ukraine's main port city.

Source: Presidental website

For many months now, pursuant to the instructions of the President, the city and regional authorities, the President's Office and the Cabinet of Ministers, together with a group of urban planners and experts, have been elaborating a separate development strategy for Odessa.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko, Deputy Head of the Office of the President

According to him, Odessa was chosen in particular because due to the occupation of the Crimean peninsula, Ukrainians have temporarily lost the opportunity to visit the seaside resorts of Crimea, while the flow of vacationers to Odessa is increasing every year.

Therefore, on the instructions of the President, we are starting to make Odessa a real pearl, a new Odessa with a historic center, a new embankment, health trails.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko

He noted that design and estimate documentation has already been developed for some objects and tenders are planned.

To make it easier to get to the center of Odessa, the construction of road infrastructure is planned.

Commenting on the development strategy of Odessa, the Head of State reminded that the programme of tourist magnets is aimed at reviving the landmarks of Ukraine, in particular in this city.

According to him, the example of Turkey proves that for the development of tourism it is necessary to build a quality infrastructure, hotel chain, restore historical landmarks and renovate museums.

"During the years of independence, Odessa was half-destroyed. Much has been lost, but much is still there. Therefore, everything needs to be restored and improved… This is a unique city, and we want it not to fall apart. While Crimea is occupied, it is the main city for summer sea recreation of Ukrainians. Let's unite efforts," Volodymyr Zelensky stressed.