Posted: 29.09.2022 12:37:00

Expert: Russia keen to increase tourist flows with Belarus

Russia is interested in increasing tourist flows with Belarus – as noted by Demyan Smilevets, Head of the International Co-operation Department of the Russian Federal Tourism Agency, on the sidelines of the 2nd international scientific and practical conference, entitled Prospects for the Development of Tourism in Modern Conditions: World Trends and Regional Contexts

He told which Belarusian tourist destinations are popular among Russians, “This includes spa treatment. Agri-ecotourism is especially relevant for residents of megacities who want to get away from the bustle of the city, penetrating into nature and trying eco-products. Recently, due to the geopolitical situation, even more Russians travel to Belarus, especially young people. Weekend tours and shop tours have become popular.”

At the same time, Demyan Smilevets does not hide that Russia is also interested in attracting Belarusian tourists, “I know that now tour operators are working on the possibility of organising a route along the large triangle Minsk-Moscow-St. Petersburg. At the same time, I would like the Belarusians to visit more actively the border Pskov and Smolensk regions, our northern regions, e.g., Karelia. Moreover, we also have unique sanatoriums. In the near future we will pay attention to the creation of a mega-resort at the Caspian Sea, and I think it will also enjoy popularity among Belarusians. The development of military-patriotic tourism is also on the agenda as it is important to educate young people on the common values of respect for history. A number of tourist projects are currently being worked out to increase the flow of tourists from Belarus to us.”

According to him, the two countries will liaise even more closely against the background of the harmonisation of tourism legislation.