NOVOGRUDOK, 14 August (BelTA) – Belarus' Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko emphasized the importance of creating more comfortable conditions for tourists, especially in the regions, as he took part in a meeting of the interdepartmental expert and coordination council on tourism under the Council of Ministers in Novogrudok on 14 August, BelTA has learned.
“Tourism is an important economic sector which potential is still hugely untapped. In 2018, the export of tourism services totaled some $230 million. I believe, however, that this figure can be much bigger. Concrete steps are taken to give a boost to this sector,” said Igor Petrishenko. For instance, last week a decree was signed to unite the Grodno and Brest visa-free territories. In addition to that, the visa-free zone has been expanded.
“There are now virtually no barriers to visiting these regions. The move will contribute to the increase in the export of tourism services. It is time for travel agencies and private business working in the sector to act. Belarus has a lot to show foreigners in historical viewpoint, health improvement and other types of tourism. However, it is important not only to attract tourists, but also create comfortable conditions for them in accommodation and catering. We have a lot to do in this area. Especially this is true about small settlements,” noted Igor Petrishenko. In his words, private business has good prospects in the sector. Agro-ecotourism can be cited as an example.
Novogrudok is one of Belarus' tourist hubs, which has been successfully developing its historical, patriotic and other types of tourism. Participants of the meeting visited the castles in Lyubcha and Novogrudok, the Museum of Jewish Resistance, and Adam Mickiewicz House-Museum. The agenda of the meeting included issues related to tourism development, conservation, restoration and use of historical and cultural heritage sites.
Photos by Leonid Shcheglov
