G Adventures Founder, Bruce Poon Tip Sanctioned By Moscow

Russia has sanctioned the founder of G Adventures, Bruce Poon Tip in its latest ban of 200 prominent Canadians. The move by Russia was a  response to the latest sanctions imposed by Ottawa.

Commenting on the ban, which prevents him from entering Russia, Poon Tip said that he welcomed the sanction against him as it signifies his, and Canada’s, stance on what is right when it comes to human rights, as the invasion of Ukraine continues.

Said Poon Tip: “What Russia is doing is horrifying. I welcome this sanction as it gives us an opportunity to speak out again about the atrocity of the war against Ukraine. I will continue to support the further sanctioning of Russia until they leave the sovereign nation of Ukraine and stop destroying a beautiful proud country and killing innocent people.

He continued: “As a company, G Adventures spoke out early. We cancelled all tours in Russia and refused to accept Russian nationals residing inside Russia on our trips, or to take bookings from Russian agencies.”

Poon Tip pointed out that: “The fact I am now being personally sanctioned in return underpins my commitment to fighting the good fight, though it continues to devastate me that the Russian tourism industry and local communities are the ones impacted by these reciprocal bans when it comes to accessing the benefits of tourism.”

And G Adventures’ founder added: “I have always said travel can be the fastest path to peace. It’s only by connecting with other cultures that we can foster connection and understanding between different countries and communities. If I have to be sanctioned to get this message across I’ll wear it as a badge of honour.”

He concluded: “Travel is the most powerful way we can open our hearts, minds, and eyes to the beauty of the world, especially in the darkest of times.  This cultural exchange is the backbone of what I built this company on 32 years ago and it must continue, but not at the expense of innocent people.”