G Adventures Founder Bruce Poon Tip is one of 200 prominent Canadians banned from entering Russia in a response to sanctions imposed by Ottawa.
Poon Tip and his company have been vocal in opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"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," Poon Tip said in response to the Russian announcement.
"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."
In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, G Adventures cancelled all tours in Russia, and refused to accept Russian nationals residing inside Russia on its trips, or to take bookings from Russian agencies.
"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."
Poon Tip says the travel industry is a critical player in fostering connections between cultures.
"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."
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