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01 July 2019, 15:34

Belarus wants to grow its tourism industry to 10-12% of GDP

MINSK, 1 July (BelTA) – The share of the tourism industry in Belarus' GDP might increase five times, up to 10-12% of GDP, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said as he met with UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili on 1 July, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Vladimir Makei emphasized that robust cooperation between Belarus and UNWTO can make a meaningful contribution to addressing the national task of establishing a highly efficient tourism industry in the country.

The minister noted that at present tourism accounts for 2.2% of Belarus' GDP. At the same time, this figure can rise considerably to reach 10-12%. “In order to achieve this goal, Belarus is set to amend domestic laws, improve tourist services at the national and local levels, promote Belarus abroad taking into consideration the world's best practices and UNWTO recommendations,” the press service informed.

The UNWTO secretary general noted that Belarus' decision to introduce the visa waiver for citizens of about 80 states had a positive impact on tourist arrivals. The parties discussed promising avenues of cooperation, including a possibility to hold major international events in Belarus under the auspices of UNWTO.

The World Tourism Organization is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. The organization unites 158 countries and over 500 affiliate members. Belarus joined UNWTO in 2005.

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