MINSK, 27 February (BelTA) – According to the State Border Committee of Belarus, in 2018 Belarus welcomed 4,791,951 foreign citizens, nearly 500,000 more than in 2017. The figures were mentioned at a session of the Belarusian Sports and Tourism Ministry board in Minsk on 27 February, BelTA has learned.
Over 100,000 foreigners availed themselves of the opportunity to visit Belarus without visas in 2018. This year's number is expected to grow larger since Minsk will host the 2nd European Games in June and a Europe vs United States athletics match in September.
In January-November 2018 Belarus exported $207.2 million worth of tourism services, 114.0% as against January-November 2017. Belarusian tourism industry is developed within the framework of the government program Hospitable Belarus, which is supposed to shape and develop a modern competitive tourism complex and increase the contribution of the tourism industry to the development of the national economy. The number of tourism infrastructure facilities grows higher every year. In 2018 Belarus' tourism potential was showcased at 13 international expos. As many as 18 presentations of Belarusian tourism opportunities were arranged.