Over 7 months of 2023, exports of tourism services increased by 35%, exceeding $116m

Over seven months of this year, exports of tourism services exceeded $116m – according to the data announced by Director of the Tourism Department at the Belarusian Sports and Tourism Ministry Irina Voronovich

She noted that inbound tourism is performing well this year. First of all, we are pleased with the flow of tourists from Russia. Many guests arrive in our country from Turkiye, China, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, being primarily interested in sanatorium-resort treatment, as well as visiting cultural sites and ecological routes, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and unique natural areas.

“Over seven months since the beginning of the year, exports of tourism services increased by 35 percent compared to the same period last year and exceeded $116m. I would like to note that August has not yet been taken into account, when there was a large incoming tourist flow against the backdrop of the 2nd CIS Games, and at the same time domestic tourism also intensified. It also shows positive dynamics, but we will get official data at the end of the year,” said Irina Voronovich.

Speaking about the export of tourism services, the representative of the Sports and Tourism Ministry noted that the groundwork is good. At the same time, there are reserves enabling us to increase indicators by late 2023.

Director of the National Tourism Agency Dmitry Morozov added that guests of the country are also interested in Minsk.

“It is different, more vibrant compared to the capitals of neighbouring countries, and tourists note this. Objects located along popular highways, e.g., in Krevo and Golshany, are also of interest to tourists,” Dmitry Morozov shared his observations.

According to him, on average, guests pay about Br1,000 for a week-long spa treatment or seven-day bus tour around the country. However, meals, part of the excursions, and spa procedures are not included in this amount.

“Sometimes the same amount is spent on health-improvement procedures,” the Director of the National Tourism Agency noted. “But additional services are not always included in the export of tourism services. Therefore, it’s necessary to understand that exports are primarily formed directly from paid tours.”