More than 300,000 tourists have visited Belarus via Minsk National Airport since Decree No.8 on the launch of visa-free entry and departure for foreign citizens came into force, Head of Belarus' National Tourism Agency Valery Parashchenko told journalists, BelTA has learned.
Over 172,600 people have visited Belarus after the visa-free entry period was extended to 30 days (since 24 July 2018). Belarus' most valuable visitor markets include Germany, Italy, Poland, the US, and the UK. “We have seen a growing interest in Belarus as a tourist destination,” Valery Parashchenko noted.
The Belarusian health resorts that participated in the recent travel exhibition in Tallinn reported a high demand for recuperation services. Belarusian health resorts offer high-quality services at lower prices. Some services are three or four times cheaper in Belarus. “This makes our health resorts highly competitive,” Valery Parashchenko said.
However, Belarus appeals to foreigners not only because of low prices, Chairman of the Board of the National Union of Tourism Industry Dmitry Skvorchevsky stressed. The number of wealthy visitors has also increased, including thanks to the visa-free travel program. Combining visa-free travel areas around Grodno and Brest opened new opportunities for including Belarusian sites in international tours. This is important for attracting tourists who prefer lengthy tours of Europe, for example, visitors from Asia, the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and other countries.
“Belarus is a bridge between regions. The classical route from Russia to Ukraine, Poland, and Germany crosses Belarus. These steps will help increase transit and diversify the market,” Dmitry Skvorchevsky noted.
