Opinions & Interviews

Tourist attractions able to spur economic growth in Belarus’ regions

NOVOGRUDOK, 14 August (BelTA) – Tourist attractions should become growth points for the districts. Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Igor Petrishenko made the relevant statement during the session of the expert and coordination council for tourism under the Council of Ministers on 14 August, BelTA has learned.

Igor Petrishenko said that every region has places that attract tourists. He believes that such places can become points of growth for the regions. However, this potential has not been fully explored. A proper presentation and promotion of such sites can encourage foreign tourists and Belarusian ones alike to visit them.

“A lot depends on municipal authorities in this regard. It is necessary to pay attention not only to the restoration and preservation of historical and cultural legacy objects but also to their inclusion into tourist routes,” the deputy prime minister noted.

Igor Petrishenko stressed that a systemic approach is necessary. It is necessary to utilize all spheres ranging from culture and education to transport and trade. A broad information program is necessary. In turn, the routes should feature in proposals of travel agencies.

Wise use of the tourism potential can produce a tangible economic effect for the regions. In 2018 Belarus exported $230 million worth of tourism services, 14% up from 2017. The export of tourism services has been on the rise this year, too.

The offsite session of the expert and coordination council for tourism under the Council of Ministers took place in the town of Novogrudok. It is one of the best developed regions from the point of view of tourism. Participants of the session visited castles in Lyubcha and Novogrudok, a Jewish resistance museum, and a memorial house of Adam Mickiewicz. Matters of current interest concerning the development of the tourism industry were discussed.

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