Turchin outlines Belarus’ strategy to tourism development
18.06.2026
MINSK (
BelTA) – Belarus’ Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin outlined how Belarus plans to develop its tourism industry while speaking at the plenary session of the international conference on strengthening cultural ties and developing creative industries “Cultural Interaction: Heritage Preservation and Global Dialogue in the Modern World” in St. Petersburg on 18 June, BelTA has learned.
The tourism and hospitality industry is an important driver of the Belarusian economy. At the state level, a goal has been set to increase tourism’s contribution to the country’s GDP to 4.5 % by 2030. To achieve this, a national program has been adopted, focusing on creating modern tourism products and services. “A promising segment here is agro-ecotourism as a tool for promoting cultural and active lifestyles, shaping a positive perception of rural life, and encouraging deurbanization. In Belarus, the range of services offered by agro-ecofarms is being systematically expanded to showcase local culture and nature: participation in traditional calendar festivals, tasting national cuisine, hands-on introduction to history, traditions, and crafts,” the prime minister noted.
He added that special attention should be given to synchronizing the efforts of Belarus and Russia in developing cross-border tourism, including the implementation of commercial investment projects in accommodation facilities and the modernization of the material and technical base of health resorts and spa institutions. “The recent decisions on the cross-border movement adopted at the level of our countries’ leadership are already having a positive effect. The more such decisions we make, the more the mutual tourist flow between our countries will grow. Both Russia, with its rich history, and Belarus have much to show each other. The annual increase in tourist numbers demonstrates growing interest among Belarusians and Russians in the history, culture, and traditions of our countries. I am confident that these positive trends will only continue to strengthen,” Aleksandr Turchin emphasized.
The tourism and hospitality industry is an important driver of the Belarusian economy. At the state level, a goal has been set to increase tourism’s contribution to the country’s GDP to 4.5 % by 2030. To achieve this, a national program has been adopted, focusing on creating modern tourism products and services. “A promising segment here is agro-ecotourism as a tool for promoting cultural and active lifestyles, shaping a positive perception of rural life, and encouraging deurbanization. In Belarus, the range of services offered by agro-ecofarms is being systematically expanded to showcase local culture and nature: participation in traditional calendar festivals, tasting national cuisine, hands-on introduction to history, traditions, and crafts,” the prime minister noted.
He added that special attention should be given to synchronizing the efforts of Belarus and Russia in developing cross-border tourism, including the implementation of commercial investment projects in accommodation facilities and the modernization of the material and technical base of health resorts and spa institutions. “The recent decisions on the cross-border movement adopted at the level of our countries’ leadership are already having a positive effect. The more such decisions we make, the more the mutual tourist flow between our countries will grow. Both Russia, with its rich history, and Belarus have much to show each other. The annual increase in tourist numbers demonstrates growing interest among Belarusians and Russians in the history, culture, and traditions of our countries. I am confident that these positive trends will only continue to strengthen,” Aleksandr Turchin emphasized.