Feature: Eurovision boosts Ukraine's international image, benefits locals

"It felt really good at the stage. I liked the sound, I liked the stage, and everything was great. I really did not expect the sound would be this amazing," Lindita, Albanian participant of the 62nd Eurovision Song Contest, said as she returned from an on-stage rehearsal.

Speaking in the hall of the International Exhibition Center in Kiev, the main venue of Eurovision 2017, Lindita did not hide her delight with Ukraine.

"I do love the people in Ukraine -- they are so positive. I have never seen such amazing people in my life," Lindita said.

Her remarks might be ordinary words of courtesy voiced by a European pop star, but they are really important for thousands of Ukrainians who did their utmost for their country to organize Europe's largest music contest.

Back in May last year when Ukraine was granted the right to host Eurovision 2017 after its singer Jamala won the competition in Stockholm, few expected the country would carry out the event successfully.

Skeptics doubted crisis-hit Ukraine's ability to find enough funds for the contest and to provide adequate security for the guests at a time when armed conflict rages in its eastern part.

One year on, it is safe to say that Ukraine has worked it out. The large concert hall at the main Eurovision venue and the official fan zones were ready long before the start of the Eurovision and high-quality live shows were produced.

"I'm very content. What we saw yesterday was the Eurovision song contest as it should be," Jon Ola Sand, executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, said after the first semi-final.

With regard to safety, everything went smoothly. Despite the concerns, no serious incidents were recorded in Kiev during the time of the contest.

"I have always been very excited about coming to Ukraine. I know about the conflict in the eastern regions, but it is completely safe here in Kiev," said Milica Kovalj, a member of the Montenegrin Eurovision delegation.

Apart from being an instrument to boost Ukraine's image abroad, the Eurovision has also benefited locals. Kiev authorities significantly refurbished the city's infrastructure on the eve of the contest by carrying out a major road overhaul and renovation of pavements, bus stops and recreation zones.

"The city indeed has changed for the better. Especially, I like the way they have arranged the promenade (of the Dnieper River), it became a perfect place for walking with children," said Kiev resident Denis Gorshkov.

"I wish the Eurovision took place in Ukraine every year," he added, jokingly.

According to preliminary estimates, Ukraine spent about 33 million U.S. dollars arranging the Eurovision, surpassing the budget allocated by Sweden last year by nearly a third.

Initially, critics warned that the East European country, which has just recovered from a financial crisis, could not afford to spend such an amount of money on the music contest and bring financial benefits in return. But now, there are signs that the event would recoup itself.

The Kiev authorities have predicted that the city business would receive a financial boost of about 21.8 million dollars from tourists attending the competition.

Besides, according to local Eurovision organizers, good financial returns are also expected from ticket sales, as not only live events but also dress rehearsals attracted a crowded audience.

"In terms of income, the figures are very good. We have more incomes than we planned," said Pavlo Hrytsak, a Eurovision executive producer from Ukraine.

However, for Ukraine, the Eurovision is far more than a commercial event -- money spent on arranging the contest is real investment into the country's future.

In addition to that, Ukraine has shown its best advantages, boosted its image that was shattered by the recent crisis. Endi