LEPEL DISTRICT, 31 October (BelTA) – Belarus needs to develop health resort and spa services, which are currently in high demand, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he heard a report on tourism development within the system of the Presidential Property Management Directorate on 31 October, BelTA has learned.
“This is where money should go. A state program must prioritize such projects, given the current and future demand,” the head of state said. “Funds should be invested here, since they will pay back.”
According to Head of the Presidential Property Management Directorate Yuri Nazarov, subordinate health resorts and natural reserves are expected to generate about Br285 million in revenue from tourism services this year, with a significant share coming from exports. “As for health resort services, they are highly profitable and pay off very quickly,” he assured.
Yuri Nazarov cited the Sosny health resort as an example of progress in the sector, noting the addition of new accommodation, upgraded grounds, and expanded services for visitors. “Next year we will build the country’s best spa complex among all health resorts. It will be open to anyone who wishes to come and pay for the services,” he said.
Work is also underway to develop other recreational facilities managed by the Directorate, including health resorts abroad. The head of state was briefed on these plans in detail.
Yuri Nazarov also proposed building a modern highway along the entire route from Minsk to Lake Naroch to make weekend trips more attractive. “Everything there should be buzzing with activity,” he said.
“That’s another task for the state program. It must be built,” the head of state agreed.
The Presidential Property Management Directorate is developing a broad range of tourism formats, including ecological, event‑based, hunting, and others. “Today we have 650 facilities: bases, campsites, hotels, and so on. So we will not build anything new. Instead, we will put in order what already exists, because it is not delivering the return it should,” Yuri Nazarov explained.
Plans also include promoting various events and festivals to offset seasonal fluctuations in certain areas of tourism.
“In terms of health resorts, our goal is to almost double the export of services. The figures are realistic. For environmental institutions, we plan to double revenue from tourism services by 2030. The strategy has been approved by the board,” Yuri Nazarov stated.
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