MINSK, 13 July (BelTA) – More than 300 active tourism routes are currently available in Belarus, Aleksei Zastenchik, Senior Assistant of the Marketing and Tourism Services Quality Department of the Tourism Department at the Belarusian Sports and Tourism Ministry, said at the press conference to discuss prospects for active tourism in Belarus, BelTA has learned.
Aleksei Zastenchik noted that active tourism is one of the most rapidly developing sectors in the tourism industry. Interest in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, water travel, and ecotourism has grown significantly, including among foreign visitors. Tourists from abroad often plan their trips to Belarus to include bike tours, kayaking, and walks along eco-trails.
“Active recreation is becoming increasingly popular among young people. In total, the country offers more than 300 hiking, horseback riding, water, and cycling routes,” he emphasized.
He also reminded that July has been declared the month of active tourism in Belarus. During this period, various events will be held to promote the sector, including seminars, training sessions, campaigns, and competitions. The information portal belarus.travel and the website of the National Tourism Agency feature details about organizations involved in active tourism, offering equipment rentals, eco-trail walks, kayaking, water and horseback excursions, cycling tours, rope parks, zip lines, quad and buggy tracks, and more.
7-13 July were dedicated to hiking tourism, 14-20 July will be the days of cycling tourism, and 21-27 July - of water tourism. Across the regions, activities such as hikes, bike rides, cycling festivals, and bicycle excursions will be organized, along with contests and campaigns for fans of two-wheeled transport. Belarusian rivers and lakes will serve as venues for kayaking trips, water excursions, fishing tournaments, and other aquatic adventures.
One of the most notable events will be a bike ride commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the 900th anniversary of the founding of St. Euphrosyne Convent.
Aleksei Zastenchik remarked that, according to international classification, active tourism can be considered a form of adventure tourism. This year, Belarus is participating for the first time in the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2025 competition, organized by UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO). The competition aims to support and recognize unique rural areas that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable tourism development, cultural heritage preservation, and traditional values. Belarus’ entry is the village of Pogost in Zhytkovichi District, where kayaking excursions are among the featured activities.
Aleksei Zastenchik also invited everyone to take part in the nationwide contest DiscoverBelarus, which also aims to promote active tourism.
“Each year, we see growing interest among Belarusians in exploring new destinations and taking part in kayaking trips. Tourist information centers play a major role in popularizing active tourism by offering a wide range of routes,” he added.
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