/ / News
07.02.2013

Belarus’ President urges more efficient use of tourism potential of national parks

MINSK, 7 February (BelTA) - President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko urges a more balanced and well thought-out policy for efficient use of tourism potential of the national parks and forestry institutions. There is a need to expand the scope of services, to apply a flexible discount system taking into account seasonality factor, to conduct an effective advertising campaign, Alexander Lukashenko said at a government meeting to discuss efficiency improvement of the Property Management Directorate of the President of Belarus and subordinated organizations, BelTA has learnt.

“I got a question regarding the services industry. What level is it at? At the international one? Doubt it. How much do we need to talk about the need to develop inbound tourism! No visible results yet. The infrastructure is virtually non-existent. Neither is roadside service. Fishing and hunting is what our hospitality industry is today,” the President said.

Alexander Lukashenko also criticized the presentation of Belarusian goods abroad: “Efforts are being made in the country to preserve and develop the national cultural traditions. In the international arena, however, the presentation of these traditions is often carried out with the help of products that have nothing to do with the unique colors of Belarus. Where are the unique products that could be called true Belarusian, recognizable brands by all?” According to the President, there are serious faults in the human resources management: “They do not grow professionally. Often their qualifications are not up-to-date. We need an absolutely different picture. We need young promising managers and specialists able to revive the economy, financial policy and investment activities.”

“Today I would like to hear what development prospects you see for your organizations, what priorities you outline and the ways of their implementation. I am also interested in the reason for the current negative situation and the ways to alter it, your concrete proposals,” the President said.

The head of state stressed: “I need the Property Management Directorate to fully meet the highest state level and be, as the saying goes, a trend setter here.”