MINSK, 14 December (BelTA) – The 2nd European Games will secure more visitors to Belarus for the years to come, Anatoly Kotov, Deputy CEO of the Minsk European Games Organizing Committee (MEGOC), said at a seminar held on 13 December to discuss inbound and domestic tourism ahead of the Games, BelTA has learned.
“Thanks to the European Games, we have a unique chance to show Belarus, tell its interesting history to the whole Europe. At least 50 European countries will follow the event. We plan to broadcast the Games in 160 countries. This will help attract tourists to Belarus for many years to come. As a rule, following any mass events, the number of foreigners eager to see the country increases significantly,” said Anatoly Kotov.
He added that if tourism is advertised in advance, then it is possible to form another flow of tourists, those who travel to see the country first and then attend sport events. The deputy CEO cited the 2014 IIHF World Championship as an example. Then people took advantage of visa-free entry on sport tickets, and came to see Belarus' sights.
The 2nd European Games will take place in Minsk on 21-30 June 2019. Over 4,000 athletes from 50 countries will compete in about 200 medal events in 15 sports. Competitions in nine sports will be qualifiers for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Competitions in badminton, boxing, canoe sprint and judo will be held in the format of European championships.
