Events

MINSK, 14 April (BelTA) – Belarus and Turkey have discussed measures meant to bolster cooperation in the sphere of tourism. The matter was discussed as Belarusian Deputy Sports and Tourism Minister Mikhail Portnoi met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Belarus Kezban Nilvana Darama, the press service of the Belarusian Sports and Tourism Ministry told BelTA.

Mikhail Portnoi noted that relations between the two countries advance dynamically thanks to efforts of Belarusian and Turkish leadership. “Mutual trust is growing stronger. Practical cooperation is in progress in all fields, including tourism,” he added.

The deputy sports and tourism minister reminded that a program on cooperation in tourism in 2018-2019 was signed by the relevant ministries of the two countries within the framework of the Belarusian-Turkish commission on tourism in December 2017. The program provides for stepping up cooperation in the development of tourism exchange, in the promotion of national tourism products, the improvement of legislation in the sphere of tourism, the exchange of information about investment proposals, the protection of interests and the assurance of security of tourists. The program is filled with concrete measures and events. Some of them are already being implemented.

Turkey is traditionally one of the popular destinations for Belarusian tourists. In 2016 over 57,500 organized Belarusian tourists visited Turkey. In 2017 the number went over 140,000 people. In 2017 Belarus welcomed about 31,500 tourists from Turkey, more than 6% up from 2016. The popular Belarusian places of interest with Turkish tourists include Minsk, national parks, and rest and recreation in farm tourism estates. Athletes from Turkey regularly partake in international competitions in Belarus.

Kezban Nilvana Darama expressed interest in advancing cooperation with Belarusian colleagues, in sharing useful information and experience of organizing hospitality business, marketing, and tourism industry as a whole. She asked to notify the embassy if and when Belarusian citizens encounter any problems while staying in Turkey and promised to promptly respond to any requests. The ambassador also noted Belarus’ considerable tourism potential.