Big hotel chains carry on despite political tensions

[BERLIN] Tensions between Ukraine and Russia could delay hotel projects, and some development deals have been shelved, but the world's biggest chains are less likely to be deterred as they seek to exploit rapid expansion in eastern Europe, specialists said.

The Feb 22 ousting of Russian-backed Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych after months of street protests in Kiev and Russia's subsequent actions in Crimea have led to the most serious confrontation between Moscow and the West since the end of the Cold War.

"We don't know what's going to happen, but it may turn a lot of investors off Russia," said one hotel specialist who declined to be named due to client relations.