Opinions & Interviews

GRODNO, 24 August (BelTA) – The visa-free entry to the Augustow Canal for foreign tourists promotes the development of the services sector, head of the sport and tourism department of the Grodno Oblast Executive Committee Oleg Andreichik told BelTA.

“The so-called visa-free zone includes not only the Augustow Canal itself, but also the entire Grodno District and, of course, the old city of Grodno. It places special responsibility on us. First of all, Grodno residents should show that they are hospitable people,” Oleg Andreichik noted. He stressed that more tourists are expected to the region, which sets serious tasks to the services sector.

“It is important for the service to meet world standards. This pertains to catering and hospitality services and also all those who provide tourist services. Not only should the quality of services be improved, but also everyone engaged in the sector should improve their knowledge of English,” said Oleg Andreichik. In his words, a lot is done in terrain navigation and added that “it is important not only to create a tourist product but also know how to sell it”.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko signed corresponding Decree No. 318 “Concerning the introduction of the visa-free entry and departure for foreigners” on 23 August. The document introduces a visa-free entry and departure to and from Belarus and facilitates staying conditions for tourists for a period of up to five days in the tourism and recreation park Augustow Canal and adjacent territories. This regime applies to foreign citizens crossing the Belarusian-Polish border at the border checkpoints Lesnaya (Rudawka) and Bruzgi (Kuznica Bialostocka), the Belarusian-Lithuanian border at the border checkpoints Privalka (Svendubre) and Privalka (Raigardas). The decree will be in force till 31 December 2017 and can be prolonged for an indefinite period. The provisions of the decree concerning the visa-free entry and departure for foreigners will enter into force two months after its official publication.