Perspective directions of tourism development in the republic of belarus. Tourism in Belarus: state and prospects Main types of international tourism in Belarus

Debts - 08/04/2021

Introduction p. 3

1. Characteristics of the Republic of Belarus

as an object of tourism p. 5

1.1. Tourist facilities.

Zoning P. 5

1.2. Assessment of the current state

tourism and tourist infrastructure

in the Republic of Belarus S. 13

2. Trends in tourism development

in the Republic of Belarus S. 19

2.1. Regulations,

defining trends

tourism development in Belarus p. 19

2.2. The main directions of tourism development P. 20

2.3. Regional Tourism Policy P. 22

2.4. Estimated economic

and the social effect of implementation

National Tourism Development Program

in the Republic of Belarus 2006 - 2010 P. 25

Conclusion P. 29

List of sources p. 31

Introduction

The theme of the work is the development trends of the tourist services market in the Republic of Belarus. Being one of the largest dynamically developing sectors of the world economy, tourism is currently trying to take its rightful place in the economy of our state. Therefore, the relevance of the topic is obvious: does the Republic of Belarus have a resource potential as a tourist destination? What is the infrastructure of Belarusian tourism? What are its main statistics? Does tourism in the Republic of Belarus have a future? In what ways, in what directions it will develop in our state? - answers to thesequestions were the main task when writing this work.

The structure of the work - introduction, main part (two sections, 6 chapters), conclusion, list of sources used.

In the introduction, the characteristics of the work are given, the main terms used in writing are given.

Chapter 1 of section 1 of the general part characterizes the Republic of Belarus as a tourist destination.

Chapter 2 of Section 1 presents the main statistical indicators of tourism in the Republic of Belarus, in particular, the dynamics of tourist flows in the Republic of Belarus; countries whose citizens are leading in terms of the number of arrivals to Belarus; balance of payments of the Republic of Belarus under the item "business and personal travel". For each of the statistical indicators, preliminary conclusions are formulated.

Chapter 1 of section 2 of the general part describes the trends towards the development of tourism in Belarus, laid down by the Decree of the Council of Ministers of the BSSR No. 388 of December 14, 1983 "On a promising scheme for the development of tourism in the Byelorussian SSR" - this document has long been decisive for the development of tourism in the country ...

Chapters 2 and 3 of the second section characterize the directions of tourism development in accordance with the National Program for Tourism Development in the Republic of Belarus 2006 - 2010. , respectively, by type of tourism and by regions of Belarus.

Chapter 4 of Section 2 contains an analysis of the situation that will develop in tourism in particular and in the economy of Belarus in general if the Program is implemented.

In the conclusion, the conclusions are presented.

The work used the following terms and definitions given in Article 1 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Tourism":

tourism - temporary departure (travel) of citizens of the Republic of Belarus, foreign citizens and stateless persons (hereinafter referred to as citizens) for recreational, educational, professional, business, sports, religious and other purposes that do not contradict the legislation, to a country (place) of temporary stay without engaging in paid activities in it (him);

domestic tourism - travel within the Republic of Belarus of citizens living on its territory;

inbound tourism - travel within the Republic of Belarus of citizens who do not reside on its territory;

outbound tourism - travel outside the Republic of Belarus of citizens living on its territory;

tourism activities - tour operator and travel agency activities, as well as the activities of public tourism associations, children's and youth tourism institutions, educational institutions and travel organizations;

tourist resources - natural, historical, social and cultural objects that satisfy the spiritual needs of tourists and contribute to the restoration and strengthening of their health;

tourism industry - a set of hotels and other facilities, facilities for accommodating tourists, vehicles, catering facilities, facilities and entertainment facilities, educational, health, business, sports and other facilities, organizations engaged in tourist activities;

tourist market - the sphere of circulation of a tourist product;

tour operator - a business entity that, on the basis of a license, carries out the development and promotion of a tourist product designed for mass and individual consumer demand, as well as its sale to travel agents and tourists;

travel agent - a business entity that, on the basis of a license, promotes and sells a tourist product and related tourist services.

At the end of the work, a list of sources used is provided.

1. Characteristics of the Republic of Belarus as an object of tourism

1.1. Tourist facilities. Zoning

Republic of Belarus - a young state with a rich ancient history, located in the center of the European continent at the intersection of busy transit routes (Western Europe-Russia and the Baltic-Black Sea region). The size of the territory of Belarus (207,6 thousand km.) and the number of population (slightly less than 10 million people) are characterized by average rates among the states of Europe. The advantages of the country's advantageous geographical location have been used for thousands of years- back in X I -X II centuries along the Dnieper, Western Dvina and their tributaries one of the most important trade routes of the Middle Ages “from the Varangians to the Greeks” passed. The borders of Belarus (with Poland in the west, Lithuania and Latvia in the north-west and north, with Russia in the east and Ukraine in the south), taking into account the central, transit location of the republic, should perform not barrier, but contact functions, including in the development of tourism ... Good-neighborly relations with neighboring states and common historical development serve as prerequisites for tourist exchange.

The nature of Belarus has calm features, does not amaze with tropical richness of colors, sea and mountain landscapes, however, it stands out among European countries for a relatively high degree of preservation of natural landscapes. Separate natural objects (Belovezhskaya Pushcha - the largest in Europe massif of ancient forests, the most extensive bog complexes of Polesie in Europe, etc.) are of international importance. Belovezhskaya Pushcha is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The surface of the territory of Belarus is an alternation of plains, hilly glacial uplands (about 30 %) and lowlands. The height of the terrain varies from 80 m (Nemunas valley) to 345 m (Mount Dzerzhinskaya, the former Holy Mountain), averaging about 160 m. The modern character of the surface of Belarus was formed under the influence of ancient glaciers and their melt waters. The glacial hills of Poozerie and the Belorussian ridge make the relief more diverse, and some tourist centers and objects - more attractive. Belarus is also obliged to the glacier invasions by the wide distribution of boulders, which are an important element of natural landscapes, a cult object of national mythology ("Borisov boulders", "devil's stones", "tailor stones", etc.). Over 2 Thousands of boulders of particular interest in natural, cultural and historical terms are collected in an open-air museum in Minsk.

The resort and recreational resources of Belarus include a complex of therapeutic climatic and phytotherapeutic factors, deposits of mineral water and therapeutic mud. Belarus has significant reserves of mineral waters of various composition and healing properties, distributed almost throughout the country. Sapropelic and peat mud are also used in the spa treatment.

The temperate continental climate of Belarus, formed under the cyclonic influence of the Atlantic, is characterized by a rainy, cool summer, mild winters with frequent thaws, and unstable weather in autumn and spring. Favorable summer period with average daily temperatures above +15 ˚С increases in the direction from north-east to south-west with 70-89 days in Poozerie until 90-95 days in the central part of the country and 96-114 days in Polissya. The average daily water temperature in summer in all reservoirs exceeds +17 ° С, and in July is +19-22 ° С, which contributes to the development of swimming and beach recreation. A comfortable period for winter holidays with temperatures from-5 ° C to -15 ° C increases from 30 days in the southwest to 60 days in the northeast, and the period of stable occurrence of snow cover increases in the same direction from 60 to 130 days. The organization of ski tourism is complicated by frequent thaws.

The territory of the country has a developed hydrographic network. total length 20,8 thousand rivers is 90,6 thousand km Small rivers with a length of no more than a few kilometers predominate, unsuitable for organizing mass tourism, but having their own quiet, tranquil charm for lovers of relaxation in the lap of nature. Among the large waterways should be called the Dnieper, Berezina, Priyat, Sozh, Neman, Western Dvina, Viliya, on the banks of which resorts and areas of mass recreation are formed. The calm nature of the current does not allow the development of complex water tourist routes, however, on the other hand, it makes fascinating travel along the rivers of Belarus widely available for tourists. Monuments of hydraulic engineering XVIII-XIX centuries are the old canals (Augustow, Dnieper-Bugsky, Oginsky, Berezinsky water system). The experience of using ancient canals in neighboring Poland shows that these structures can be restored and converted into popular tourism objects.

Belarus is often called "blue-eyed" for a large number of lakes. In total, there are over 10 thousand lakes with a total area 2258 sq. km. In some administrative districts (Braslavsky, Ushachsky) lakes occupy 8-10 % territory. Lake groups are especially attractive for tourists. - Braslavskaya, Narochanskaya, Ushachskaya, Lepelskaya, Blue lakes, etc. Small reservoirs prevail (75 % lakes do not exceed 0,1 km.). The largest lakes in the country are Naroch(79,6 km.), Osveyskoye, Chervone, Lukomskoye, Drivyaty, Vygonoshchanskoye, Nescherdo, Svir, Snudy. Vitebsk region concentrates about 90 % lakes suitable for recreational use. Central Belarus is poor in lakes, and water recreation is organized here on the basis of rivers and reservoirs (Vileika, Zaslavskoe, etc.) In the south of the country, in Polesie, there are many small shallow old lakes (about 6 thousand) with low swampy shores, overgrown surface, low water quality. Polesie lake-bog complexes can be used for organizing ecological and fishing and hunting tourism, while mass bathing and beach recreation tends to the Pripyat and Dnieper river systems. Swamp massifs occupy about 12 % the territory of Belarus and are places for hunting and gathering berries, as well as objects of ecological tourism, unique for the European continent (Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, nature reserves "Sredny Pryyat", "Olmanskie swamps", etc.).

The wealth of Belarus is its forests, covering about 36 % territory of the country. For each resident of the republic, there are more than 0,8 hectares of forest, which is twice the European average. The structure of forests is dominated by conifers, birch is common among small-leaved, aspen, alder, broadleaf - oakand hornbeam. In general, the forests of Belarus are relatively young (average age is about 40 years), however, unique tracts of ancient forests (Belovezhskaya, Nalibokskaya, Grodno, Ruzhanskaya Pushcha) have survived in the western part of the country.

The fauna of Belarus numbers 457 species of vertebrates, including 73 species of mammals, about 290 bird species, 58 fish species, 19 species of reptiles and amphibians. The pride and symbol of the country is the Bialowieza bison - the largest animal in Europe, the population of which in the republic is several hundred individuals.

In order to preserve biological and landscape diversity in Belarus, a network of specially protected natural areas is being formed - the resource basis for the development of ecological tourism, which determines its territorial organization. The State Natural Reserve Fund has 1.580 million hectares (7.6% territory of the country) and includes the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve and national parks ("Belovezhskaya Pushcha", "Pripyatsky", "Braslav Lakes", "Narochansky"), 94 nature reserves and 333 a natural monument of republican significance, 458 nature reserves and several hundred natural monuments of local importance. In the coming years, it is planned to create a number of national parks: Logoiskiy (Belaya Rus), Surazhskiy, Svislochsko-Berezinskiy, Nalibokskiy.

The use of tourist potential is significantly complicated due to radioactive contamination 1/5 territory of the republic. Of the total area allocated for recreational and tourist development of land(1.68 million hectares, or 8.1% territory of the country) 0,73 million hectares are radioactively contaminated, including in the Gomel region -100% recreation areas in Mogilev-73%, in Minsk - 40%.

Polesie Radiation-Ecological Reserve, created in the extreme south-east of Belarus in the zone of mandatory resettlement in order to monitor the development of natural complexes in conditions of increased radiation, can become a unique tourist attraction.

Due to its geopolitical position, the territory of Belarus often became an arena of military operations, which predetermined a relatively low degree of preservation of historical and architectural monuments. Nevertheless, the republic has a rich historical and cultural potential, formed over a thousand-year history of the formation of the Belarusian statehood. More than 17,5 thousand monuments of history and culture, of which more than 2,5 thousand objects are of national importance.

Among the architectural monuments, it should be noted the masterpieces of the ancient schools of architecture X I -X II centuries (St. Sophia Cathedral and the Transfiguration Church in Polotsk, Borisoglebskaya (Kolozhskaya) Church in Grodno, Annunciation Church in Vitebsk), medieval monuments of military-defensive architecture (Kamenets tower-donjon XIII century, the ruins of castles in Novogrudok, Grodno, Lida (restored), Krevo, Golshany, palace and castle complexes in Mir and Nesvizh), unique defense-type temples in Synkovichi (Zelveisky district), Murovanka (Shchuchinsky district), Komayakh (Postavsky. district), a rich baroque heritage (Grodno, Pinsk, Nesvizh, Slonim, Minsk, etc.), monuments of the era of classicism (palace and park ensemble in Gomel, ruins of palaces in Kossovo and Ruzhany), etc.

Of great interest among tourists are memorable places associated with the life and work of famous people. Ancient Polotsk is the birthplace of the outstanding educators Francysk Skaryna, Simeon of Polotsk and Euphrosyne of Polotsk. Museums, monuments and memorial signs keep the memory of figures of national culture, including Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas, Maxim Bogdanovich, Francis Bogushevich, Ignat Buinitsky, Yazep Drozdovich, Napoleon Orda, Valenty Vankovich and many others. The Belarusian land gave the world a bright galaxy of outstanding figures of culture, science, art, politics: Adam Mitskevich, Vladislav Syrokomlya, Mikhail Kleofas Oginsky, Stanislav Moniuszko, Ignat Domeyko, Otto Schmidt, Marc Chagall, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Boris Kit, Pavel Sukhoi, Chaim Weintsman, Shimon Peres, Menachem Begin, Golda Meir and others.

One of the most important elements of the national historical and cultural heritage is the preserved (mainly in rural areas) potential of a rich and original traditional material and spiritual culture. There are about 100 centers of folk crafts and crafts, dozens of local regions of traditional weaving and embroidery, pottery, etc.

A prerequisite for the development of inbound ethnic tourism is the presence of the Belarusian diaspora (total 3,0-3,5 million people) in various countries of the world: Russia- 1.2 million, USA - 0.5-1.0 million, Ukraine - 440 thousand, Poland - 320 thousand, Australian Union- 320 thousand, Israel - 120-140 thousand, Latvia - 95 thousand, Lithuania - 55 thousand, etc.

Trans-European transport corridors run through the country № 2 (Paris - Berlin - Warsaw - Brest - Minsk - Orsha - Moscow) and № 9 (Helsinki - St. Petersburg - Vitebsk - Mogilev - Gomel - Kiev - Odessa), which are associated with significant transit flows with a significant potential demand for accommodation, catering, short-term programs of tourist and excursion services.

Alone along the corridor № 2 the territory of Belarus is annually crossed by about 10 million people, including 5,5 million by road and 4,5 million by rail, indicating a significant potential for transit tourism- up to 1.5-2.5 million people annually.

Natural complexes and historical and cultural heritage of Belarus make it possible to develop a diversified competitive national tourist product, including various types of tours for foreign visitors: ecological, ethnic, hunting, rural, short-term service programs for transit visitors, specialized programs (for fans of ballet, some sports, visiting radiation-ecological reserve, etc.). However, the possibilities of attracting foreign visitors are complicated due to the lack of a favorable tourist image of the country, advertising and information support of tourist activities, the underdevelopment of the tourist infrastructure and specialized service programs.

Based on regional differences in the recreational and resource potential, tourist specialization and the level of development of recreational functions, there are four main recreational and tourist regions of Belarus: Northern (Vitebsk region), Central (Minsk region and Oshmyany, Ostrovets, Smorgon districts of Grodno region), Western (Brest and main part of Grodno region) and Eastern (Gomel and Mogilev regions).

The central region has the most developed tourist infrastructure and concentrates over 2/5 capacity of resort and recreational institutions and about 1/3 reserved recreational areas. The specialization of the region is determined by the organization of health and tourism, health resort (resorts Naroch and Zhdanovichi) and excursion services. Wellness functions are largely related to meeting the recreational needs of the Minsk agglomeration, which concentrates 1/6 population of the country. The recreational flow into the 100-kilometer suburban area of the capital exceeds 520 thousand people, while 1/3 the stream is concentrated in a 30-kilometer forest-park zone. The high demand for suburban recreation stimulated the creation of a network of recreational reservoirs (Zaslavskoe, Krinitsa, Vyacha, Ptich, etc.).

The Naroch resort and recreational zone, formed on the basis of the picturesque lacustrine-forest landscapes of the Narochansk group of lakes and climatic-balneological medicinal resources of the region, is the largest in the republic. The total capacity of the recreational base is about 6.6 thousand places (over 56% - year-round). Taking into account unorganized tourist flows, the total one-time number of vacationers in the summer reaches 10 thousand people. The average annual volume of the recreational flow in the late 1990s reached 80-90 thousand people, 2/3 of which were residents of the Minsk region. V 1999 the National Park "Narochansky" was created, the main tasks of which - protection of the natural environment (degradation of aquatic vegetation and coastal forests, a decrease in water transparency, etc.) and the organization of ecological tourism.

The capital and largest city of the Republic of Minsk has the most developed tourist infrastructure (international airport, over 1/4 the total capacity of the country's hotel fund, the most developed network of restaurants and cafes, sports and cultural and entertainment facilities) and is the main center of international tourism in Belarus both in the field of receiving foreign visitors and in terms of generating demand for foreign tours. In addition to the sights of Minsk (preserved architectural monuments, modern buildings, museums), tourists are attracted by the medieval monuments of the national historical and cultural reserves in Nesvizh (the residence of the Radziwills family, the palace and castle complex, parks, the Church of the Body of God Xvi v. with the ancestral tomb of the Radziwills - the first baroque temple on the territory of the Commonwealth, the town hall, etc.) and Zaslavl (monuments of archeology and architecture, the ethnographic complex "Mlyn"), the Kupalovsky memorial reserve (the village of Vyazynka, Molodechno district) and the Kolasovsky reserve (Stolbtsovsky district), the memorial complex "Khatyn". One of the most attractive non-traditional tourist sites in Belarus is the private museum of material culture "Dudutki". The festive excursion and entertainment program “to the homeland of Belarusian Father Frost” in Nalibokskaya Pushcha is gaining popularity.

The rich natural, recreational and educational potential, picturesque hilly lacustrine and forest landscapes make the Northern region very promising for tourist development. The role of the tourist resources of the Belarusian Poozerie is especially growing due to the loss of radiation-contaminated recreational areas in the southeast of the country. The region's specialization is associated with the development of sports and health tourism. Braslav recreational and tourist zone is formed on the basis of the lake group(31 reservoir) and is a popular place for sports tourism and recreation. There are many beautiful places in the region, but the most picturesque landscapes open from the observation point between the lakes Snudy and Strusto (Mount Mayak). The annual tourist flow exceeds 25 thousand people, about 3/4 in its structure, there are disorganized holidaymakers who concentrate in coastal villages and campgrounds at tourist camps. The lake ecosystems of the Braslav National Park with preserved rich flora and fauna are of interest for the development of ecological tourism. An important ecotourism object in the Northern Region is also the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve (partly located in the Central Region), where natural forest and bog complexes are widely represented, there is a large aboriginal population of beavers and other animals. Besides natural resources,

Poozerie is characterized by significant excursion potential. The leading excursion center of the region is the National Historical and Cultural Reserve, created in 1 140-year-old Polotsk - the oldest city in the country with a rich historical heritage, ancient architectural monuments X I -X II centuries (St. Sophia Cathedral, Holy Transfiguration Church of the Woman) and other eras, the cradle of Christianity in Belarus (a place of pilgrimage to the Euphrosyne Monastery), the homeland of the outstanding first printer F. Skorina (book printing museum, memorial monument). The cultural capital of Belarus should also be noted. - ancient Vitebsk (the birthplace of Marc Chagall, the venue of the international festival of arts "Slavianski Bazaar"), small ancient cities with preserved historical and architectural monuments (Braslav, Glubokoe, Postavy, Orsha).

The western region is distinguished by a high concentration of objects of historical and cultural heritage (Grodno, Pinsk, Brest, Novogrudok, Mir, Slonim, Lida, Zhirovichi monastery, etc.), which determines the main direction of its specialization - excursion service. The favorable transport and geographical position of the region contributes to the development of transit tourism and cross-border tourist exchange with Poland and Lithuania. The organization of ecological tourism in the national park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha", created on the basis of the largest ancient forest massif in Europe, has significant prospects. There are over 1000 oak trees from 300 to 700 years, there are 450-year-old ash trees, 220-year-old pines, 150-year-old junipers. The pride of the park is a large population of bison. The small village of Viskuli, located in the center of the forest, became world famous, where in the government residence in December 1991 The Belovezhsky agreements were signed, which proclaimed the collapse of the USSR.

Due to radioactive contamination, the prospects for the development of rich resort and recreational resources and the development of mass types of tourism in the Eastern region are limited. At present, the recreational profile of the region is determined by the organization of medical and recreational services, primarily for local residents. During the holidays and vacations, it is advisable to take the population of the region for health improvement to the radiation-free regions of the republic. The potential of ecological tourism in the Pripyatsky National Park (unique floodplain landscapes of Pripyat, rich avifauna, the ancient city of Turov) and specialized tours to the Polessky radiation-ecological reserve are of international importance.

1.2. Assessment of the current state of tourism and tourist infrastructure in the Republic of Belarus

The development of tourism in any country, region depends on a whole range of factors, conditions and resources. The clear winners are those countries that have sea and mountains. Despite the fact that Belarus does not have these resources, significant for tourism, it has a number of advantages in comparison with other countries. Among them:

proximity to Western Europe, Scandinavia - a tourist market with a very high financial potential;

Neighborhood with the Baltic countries, Russia, Poland is a serious resource for the development of cross-border tourism;

ancient and rich history, distinctive culture (15 thousand objects of historical, cultural and architectural significance);

rich natural potential, the oldest forest in the world - Belovezhskaya Pushcha, etc.

In the Republic of Belarus in recent years there have been significant changes in the field of tourism infrastructure. The number of new comfortable hotel complexes has increased. A lot of work is underway to reconstruct and update the existing hotel fund of the republic, to bring it to the generally recognized world standards.

As of January 1, 2005 years in Belarus there are 279 accommodation facilities (hotels, motels, campings). Their one-time capacity exceeds 23thousands of places. The number of employees in this area is about 6.7 thousand people.

For 2004 over a year, more than 1,2 million people, of which about 1 million people - residents of the republic.

Currently in the Republic of Belarus there are 258 hotels, or 92% of all accommodation facilities. Hotels are in various forms of ownership and departmental subordination, differ significantly in level and prices. The number of privately owned accommodation facilities is 71unit or 25% of their total. Nevertheless, 38% of all residents were accommodated in them, and the proceeds from placement exceeded 45%of the total. This is due to the fact that private accommodation facilities are located mainly in large cities, that is, where it is profitable, while the state is forced to maintain many hotels located in regional centers. In addition, a higher level of service and living conditions themselves should be recognized, which attracts foreign citizens.

A common problem in the vast majority of hotels is the lack of classification, which means that many of them do not even have a "one star" rating.

Although citizens from a fairly large circle of countries were accommodated in hotels, the arrival and overnight stays of a limited number of countries are of decisive importance, especially in the area of organized tourism. -Russia, Germany, Poland, Italy, Lithuania, Great Britain, Latvia and the USA.

Food for residents and guests of the Republic of Belarus is currently provided by over 3 thousands of catering facilities located in the public network.

Considering the important geographical position of the Republic of Belarus, much attention is paid to the development of roadside service. Currently, there are more than 400 cafes, restaurants, bars.

The development of a network of fast food establishments is also relevant, allowing, at relatively low material costs, to solve the problem of providing food services with minimal time spent on receiving and eating food. There are 1,8 thousands of fast food outlets.

Thus, today in the Republic of Belarus a certain base for servicing inbound tourism has been created and is functioning, which is sufficiently developed, but requires rather large costs for its renewal and improvement.

Tourism development trends in the Republic of Belarus are clearly demonstrated by tourism statistics.

Tourist traffic statistics;

Tourism income statistics.

The indicators of tourist flows include the number of arrivals (departures). Dynamics of tourist flows of the Republic of Belarus in terms of inbound and outbound tourism for the period 1998 - 2004 is presented in table 1.

Dynamics of tourist flows

in the Republic of Belarus

During the period under review, an increase in the number of tourists arriving in the Republic can be noted (1998 - 2004 - 110%), as well as a decrease in the number of departures from the Republic of Belarus (1998 - 2004 - 63%, almost 2.5 times compared to 2001 year). The reason for this decline is seen, first of all, with the entry of the main country of destination, the Republic of Poland, into the European Union and, as a consequence, the introduction of a visa regime.

10 the leading countries in terms of attendance to Belarus are presented in Table 2.

Table 2 .

10 leading countries in terms of attendance

The Republic of Belarus

Having analyzed the data on the structure of the tourist flow, we can say that the priority foreign markets for Belarus are Russia, Poland, the Baltic countries, Great Britain, Germany, USA, Italy, Israel.

The main factors constraining the development of inbound tourism in the Republic of Belarus are currently:

the image of the Republic of Belarus as a country unfavorable for tourism, created by individual foreign and domestic mass media; the current procedure for issuing Belarusian visas to citizens of foreign states that are safe in terms of migration, which does not always contribute to the growth of inbound tourism to the Republic of Belarus;

undeveloped tourist infrastructure, high moral and physical deterioration of the existing material base, a small number of hotel accommodation facilities of the tourist class (2-3 stars) with a modern level of comfort;

lack of practice in the creation of favorable conditions by the constituent entities of the Republic of Belarus for investment in tourist accommodation facilities and other tourist infrastructure;

almost no 2002years of state non-commercial advertising of the country's tourism opportunities abroad;

low quality of service in all sectors of the tourism industry due to a low level of training and lack of experience in a market economy, including due to a long period of operation of resort and tourist accommodation facilities through the social insurance system; discrepancy between the price and quality of hotel accommodation.

Tourism income statistics are presented in Table 3.

Balance of payments of the Republic of Belarus

under the heading "travel"

(business and personal)

As can be seen from the table, imports under the item “travel” exceed exports, thus forming a negative balance. But according to the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus, the export of tourist services in 2004. made up 294,9 mln USD and increased in comparison with 2003. by 10.5%. Imports in the past year decreased by 6.9% and amounted to 445,7 USD million. Based on this, over the past two years, there has been a decrease in the negative balance under the item of export-import of tourism services.

In 2004 year, the negative balance decreased by 75 million US dollars.

This situation in foreign trade is partly determined by the ratio of inbound and outbound tourism: more tourists leave Belarus than enter the republic. However, in addition to this factor, other, more significant factors also affect the state of the balance of payments.

First, it should be noted that due to imperfect legislation in the tourism sector, large amounts of funds are not included in the accounting, in particular, in the accounting of export-import transactions.

Secondly, there is a significant underestimation in foreign trade operations in tourism, in connection with which, it is necessary to improve the accounting system in tourism.

2. Trends in the development of tourism in the Republic of Belarus

2.1. Normative legal acts defining trends in tourism development in Belarus

Like any other branch of the economy, tourism cannot develop without an appropriate regulatory framework, without coordination from the state.

It should be noted that in the Republic of Belarus, the state has always paid increased attention to the development of tourism.

So, in 1983, the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the BSSR "On a promising scheme for the development of tourism in the Byelorussian SSR" was adopted. It was they who determined the main trends in the development of tourism in Belarus in the last years of the existence of the Soviet Union.

Among these trends, we note:

1. Formation of tourist zones on the territory of the republic, interconnected with the system of recreation areas and resorts of local and republican significance, a network of urban and rural settlements;

2. Increase in the number of tourist centers in the republic;

3. Development of educational tourism in the republic on the tourist and excursion potential of tourist centers and cultural and historical sites;

4. Development of sports and health tourism on the existing recreational system of the republic;

5. Development of amateur tourism;

6. Further expansion of the material and technical base of tourism.

Taking into account the specifics of the state, it was planned to create inter-republican routes, such as Minsk - Polotsk - Pskov - Leningrad; Brest - Pinsk - Turov - Gomel - Kiev; Minsk - Gomel - Kiev; Minsk - Grodno - Druskininkai - Vilnius.

It was outlined in increasing the annual flow of tourists for the future until 2005 to 3930 thousand people, including Soviet tourists - up to 3506 thousand people, foreign - up to 424 thousand people.

Together with the state, the market of tourist services in the Republic of Belarus was going through a political and economic crisis of the late 80s - early 90s of the XX century. Simultaneously with the stabilization of the economy of the republic, the state returned the attention to tourism, worthy of this sector of the economy.

In 1999, the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Tourism" was adopted.

In 2000, the first National Program for the Development of Tourism in the Republic of Belarus for 2001-2005 was adopted; in August 2005, the National Program for the Development of Tourism in the Republic of Belarus for 2006-2001 was adopted (hereinafter referred to as the Program). It outlines the main trends and directions of tourism development in the Republic of Belarus.

2.2. The main directions of tourism development

Transit and cross-border tourism

Based on the geopolitical position of the country, the program is predetermined:

development of a roadside network of tourist infrastructure, allowing you to organize recreation for several days, including visits to nearby tourist attractions;

organization of cross-border tourist routes, including visits to tourist sites of border states;

creation of tourist centers along the main transport corridors, first of all, on the basis of small historical cities with valuable historical and cultural heritage (Mir, Nesvizh, Slonim, Zaslavl, Kobrin, Kossovo, etc.);

Water tourism

This type of tourism can be realized in the form of short-term trips on passenger ships included in the combined multi-day tourist routes and travels of Belarusian and foreign tourists on comfortable ships along the waterways of the republic.

Taking into account the geographical location of the navigable rivers of Belarus, the development of this type of tourism is provided for:

on the Dnieper-Bug Canal and the Pripyat River from Brest to Mozyr. On the rivers Berezina, Dnieper, Sozh from Borisov to Gomel.

Organization and implementation of water routes on sports vessels of the "kayak" type, small-sized rowboats along the Berezinsky water system, Augustovsky, Oginsky, Dnepro-Bugsky canals.

Creation of rental points with a fleet (pleasure boats, hiking boats, kayaks, kayaks, pedal boats), group and personal tourist equipment, necessary equipment for outdoor activities.

The program provides for the construction of passenger ships of the corresponding class and level of comfort, the creation of coastal and floating infrastructure at the reference points of the routes;

- educational tourism

The basis for the development of educational tourism provides for the use of the cultural and historical heritage of the Republic of Belarus and the common history and culture of Belarus with neighboring countries. The program provides for:

creation of conditions for the formation of tourist and excursion routes for different categories of the population in places of important historical events and the activities of outstanding historical personalities of these peoples on the territory of our republic;

more effective use of the possibilities of available tourist resources for organizing nostalgic tours for people from Belarus and their descendants now living in other countries;

more active involvement of young people in traveling to their native land in order to foster respect for the historical past.

Agro and ecotourism

The program provides for the following directions for the development of agritourism:

the creation of tourist villages on the basis of existing rural settlements with traditional folk wooden architecture, located in a picturesque area;

intensifying the use of the reserves of the rural population through the organization of rural tours with accommodation and meals in village houses;

creation of agritourism complexes on the basis of agricultural production cooperatives.

The main directions of development of ecological tourism in Belarus are:organization of tourist trips to untouched corners of nature; photo hunting for rare animals and birds in natural conditions; swamp tours, acquaintance with their flora and fauna;

Recreational and health tourism.

The basis for the development of recreational and health tourism is a more efficient use of natural resources and existing infrastructure. In this regard, it is envisaged:

wider use for tourism purposes of the existing sanatorium-resort base of the republic;

renovation of the existing and creation of new infrastructure, expanding the range of offered tourist services in places of recreation and health improvement;

creation of summer tourist and recreational camps, campgrounds, equipped parking;

- business tourism

The growth of business activity, the expansion of international contacts is a serious prerequisite for the development of business tourism. The focus will be on:

development of tourist and excursion services for participants of international congresses, conferences, symposia; organization of international trade exhibitions, fairs; creation of conditions for the provision of tourist and excursion services to businessmen working in the Republic of Belarus;

Religious tourism

The following directions of its development have been determined: using the potential of the main religious confessions; organization of pilgrimage tours; organization of tours to places of religious shrines.

2.3. Regional tourism policy

Along with the development of certain types of tourism, the Program also determines the development trends of tourism in the regions of Belarus. It is noted that the regional tourism policy in the Republic of Belarus is aimed at developing inbound and domestic tourism, increasing the importance of regions in the development of the tourism industry and is closely related to the economic concept of the development of territories.

The program provides for increasing the export of tourism services in the context of territories, including the implementation of measures:

1) in the Brest region:

increasing the efficiency of the use of natural resources and the potential of the National Park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha";

development of tourism infrastructure along the international transport corridor № 2 Paris - Berlin - Warsaw - Brest - Minsk - Moscow, near the checkpoints "Warsaw Bridge", "Domachevo";

infrastructure development and efficient use of water systems: Dnieper-Bugsky, Oginsky canals;

development of tourism infrastructure of the Euroregion "Bug".

2) in the Vitebsk region:

infrastructure development and efficient use of the Poozerie Euroregion, the Berezinsky Nature Reserve, the Berezinsky Water System;

development of cross-border routes with the Pskov and Smolensk regions of Russia with the cities of Vitebsk and Polotsk within the framework of existing cooperation agreements;

provision of tourist and excursion services, promotion of tourist opportunities in the regions, using the international festival "Slavianski Bazaar".

3) in the Gomel region:

development of tourist cross-border routes within the Euroregion "Dnepr" with Bryansk (Russia) and Chernigov (Ukraine) regions;

use of the natural potential and resources of the Pripyatsky National Park;

development of business, business and conference tourism, using export-import operations with 70 non-CIS states using the material base and potential of the cities: Gomel, Mozyr, Zhlobin, Svetlogorsk, Rechitsa;

ensuring the development of tourist and excursion services, promoting the tourist opportunities of the regions during international music, theater festivals of choreographic art, including the International Festival "Sozh Round Dance" with the participation of 14 countries.

development of sports tourism in Mozyr, using the ski center in Zhlobin - water park, with the involvement of outdoor enthusiasts from Russia and Ukraine;

to ensure the development of tourism infrastructure in the area of the border crossing "Novaya Guta".

4) in the Grodno region

development of cross-border tourism within the framework of the Euroregion "Neman" program and with the regions of Poland and Lithuania;

creation of infrastructure, development of tourist routes in the area of the Augustow Canal;

promotion of tourist opportunities, development of tourist and excursion services for participants in the annual international festival of creativity of small peoples with a visit to the historical and cultural potential of the cities of Grodno, Novogrudok, Mir, Lida, Oshmyany, etc.

5) in the Minsk region

effective use of the Republican ski center "Silichi", the ski complex "Logoisk", "Recreation park" Yakutskie Gory "" in the Dzerzhinsky region;

to ensure the development of tourism infrastructure, the creation of a competitive tourist product in the Naroch sanatorium-resort and tourist zones, using the resources of the Narochansky National Park, the historical and cultural potential in the village of Budslav, in the Myadel, Molodechno, Vileika districts;

to continue the creation of an agro-tourist complex in the Smolevichi region on the basis of the SEC "Pervomaisky";

continue work on the development of tourism infrastructure near the objects of display and cities with a rich historical and cultural heritage Nesvizh, Zaslavl, g. Ivenets, Rakov, Fanipol, in Minsk, Stolbtsovsky, Volozhinsky, Derzhinsky districts within the cultural tourist zone "Nesvizh-Mir"; Berezinsky panorama in the Borisov tourist zone, as well as with rich natural potential in the development of the Berezinsky water system: Berezinsky, Borisovsky, Krupsky districts;

continue work on expanding opportunities for the development of health and sports tourism through the use of speleological hospitals in Soligorsk; development of recreation areas "seasonal and year-round" using the potential and resources of the Luban and Slutsk districts in the Slutsk tourist zone;

to increase the efficiency of tourist and excursion services during international and republican art festivals in the cities of Molodechno, Nesvizh, Borisov, Zaslavl, etc., as well as during fairs.

6) in the Mogilev region

continue the creation of an ethnographic village 19 centuries in the Mogilev region, the development of tourism infrastructure near the objects of display in the cities of Mogilev, Mstislavl, Shklov, Bobruisk, as well as in the territories of tourist zones;

development of roadside service, tourism infrastructure along the highway St. Petersburg - Odessa - Moscow - Warsaw; Mogilev - Minsk, arrangement of road crossings at the border checkpoints "Zvenchatka", "Smolki", "Ring";

to increase the efficiency of tourist and excursion services and promote the tourist opportunities of the regions during the international music festivals "Golden Hit", the festival of sacred music "Magutny Bozha".

7) in the city of Minsk

to increase the efficiency of using the existing tourism infrastructure through business seminars, events for the organization of business, scientific, congress tourism; art festivals, international competitions, exhibitions, meetings within the framework of the CIS commonwealth; bringing the tourism infrastructure in line with world standards;

to create a competitive tourist product on the basis of cultural and tourist zones "Historical center of the city of Minsk - Upper town, Troitskoe suburb, Rakovskoe suburb, Minsk castle "and" Loshitsa estate and park complex ";

to develop tourist and excursion services, using the potential of the Botanical Garden, zoo, theaters and studios, organizing gastronomic tours, weekend tours, developing national cuisine and cuisines of the countries of the world.

The creation of cross-border tourist routes with the regions of Russia is planned again (Gomel, Mogilev, Vitebsk regions), Ukraine (Brest, Gomel regions), Lithuania, Latvia (Grodno, Brest, Vitebsk regions), Poland(Brest, Grodno regions).

2.4. Estimated economic and social effect of implementationNational Program of Tourism Development in the Republic of Belarus 2006 - 2010

Implementation of the measures outlined by the Program will make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the Republic of Belarus. The main social effect of the Program will be to create favorable conditions for providing foreign citizens and citizens of the Republic of Belarus with tourist and recreational services.

This should be achieved by increasing revenues to the revenue side of the budget, strengthening the material base of tourism, the flow of investment, increasing the number of jobs, professional training and advanced training of specialists to work in the tourism industry.

The implementation of the Program will also stimulate the development of such sectors of the economy as the service sector, agriculture, transport, communications, trade and public catering, the construction and reconstruction of highways, the improvement of cities and towns, the production of souvenirs, the training and retraining of personnel, which will help to solve the problem. employment of the population, especially young people.

According to the presented forecast, the revenue from the organization of tourism by 2010 year will rise to 870141,2 mln rubles, profit from tourism to 2010 will amount to 18706.9 million rubles.

The measures developed in the Program will further increase the flow of tourists both within the country and from abroad and, ultimately, will lead to a significant increase in the attractiveness of the national tourism product as a field of international entrepreneurship and business cooperation. The implementation of the Program is planned to be carried out in two stages. First step (2006 - 2007 years) provides for the development and implementation of program measures aimed at improving the management system and state regulation of the tourism sector, the positive development of a positive image of the national tourism product, as well as the reconstruction and renewal of infrastructure, strengthening the material and technical base, the formation of a market mechanism for functioning and stimulating development in the country tourism, information and advertising technologies, including the widespread use of Internet technologies, personnel and scientific support systems, improving the forms and methods of tourist services.

Second stage (2008 - 2010 years) includes the implementation of program activities for the construction of new large tourist complexes, the formation of new routes, the arrangement and equipment of the most important tourist centers, social tourism complexes, the involvement of new categories and groups of the population in the tourism industry, the introduction of new forms and methods of tourist services - the formation of tourism centers of international importance.

The implementation of the Program will allow for 2010 year to ensure: an increase in the volume of exports of services in 1.55 times; formation of a network of supporting tourist centers of national and regional significance, located in areas with the highest tourist potential.

The amount of funds required for the implementation of the second stage of the Program will be determined after the implementation of the program measures of the first stage, preparation of a forecast of the socio-economic development of the Republic of Belarus for the corresponding period, taking into account the General Scheme for the construction and placement of tourist infrastructure on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, the development of which is supposed to be carried out during the implementation of the first stage of the Program.

The implementation of the Program will become one of the factors in solving the problem of employment of the population. According to forecast estimates, by the end of the first stage of the Program implementation in tourism and related industries at least 4 thousand jobs.

As a result of the implementation of the Program, conditions will be created for the preservation and revival of objects of the country's cultural and natural heritage.

The development of the tourism industry will provide significant revenues to the state budget, primarily by increasing revenues from the sale of tourism services and related activities. Increase to 2010 year of the share of paid tourist services in the total volume of paid services up to at least 5 percent.

The implementation of the measures outlined in the Program will facilitate the influx of foreign tourists to the republic., increase in foreign exchange earnings.

The following tendency in the dynamics of arrivals to the Republic of Belarus is predicted: 95672 arrivals in 2006, 133941 in 2007, 187517 in 2008, 281276 in 2009. It is planned that in 2010 421914 people will visit the republic.

The development of a highly efficient tourist complex in the Republic of Belarus will significantly increase its attractiveness as a sphere of international entrepreneurship and business cooperation, create incentives for the inflow of foreign capital into the domestic economy, which will make it possible to implement in the future a number of large-scale projects in the field of tourism, as well as satisfy the demand for tourist services in 2010 year and involve new categories of the population in the sphere of tourist services.

The development of tourism will have a stimulating effect on the development of other industries, will make a significant contribution to the restructuring of the national economy.

Implementation of the measures outlined by the Program will lead to the strengthening of the material and technical base of tourism, the expansion of the diversity and geography of tourist routes.

The most important areas of activities, the implementation of which is necessary for the successful implementation of strategic plans for sustainable tourism development at the regional level:

reconstruction of the hotel industry and the selection of alternative forms of tourist accommodation;

expansion (modernization) of the sphere of tourist services;

standardization and certification of tourism products and tourism services;

reorganization of the system of accounting and control of the market, determination of the most promising and profitable category of tourists and priority types of tourism for the development;

organization of an advertising campaign to popularize tourism and its facilities in the region and outside (domestic and international market), the possibility of holding regional and participation in national tourism fairs and exhibitions;

determination of agricultural and farm enterprises (especially horse farms, fur farms and experimental farms), on the basis of which the development of agritourism (rural tourism) is possible;

training of regional personnel for the tourism industry;

development of design and research documentation for the development, restoration, reconstruction, modernization of tourism facilities and territories, rehabilitation of previously popular but lost tourist routes and the development of new ones.

If we want national tourism to develop sustainably, we need to have an appropriate strategy. The principal link of this strategy is the completed Scheme of the integrated territorial organization of tourism and recreation of the Republic of Belarus. However, the strategy involves the following permanent operations:

assessment of the existing tourist market, determination of its most promising segments and forecast of tourist and recreational flows;

development of proposals on the organizational and functional structure of the main (priority) tourist zones and facilities, their reconstruction, improvement of social infrastructure and access to them;

determination of investment sources and the circle of persons (organizations) interested in and promoting the development of tourism activities in the region and the republic.

Now let's name the initial problems, without the solution of which the strategy is doomed. They are due to the lack of many basic components of an effective tourism system in our country, namely:

the tourism industry as an independent branch of the national economy;

a unified methodology for market analysis and full-fledged statistical reporting on tourist flows in the republic and by region, which complicates their assessment and forecasting;

due to international standards, the comfort of living with us for foreign tourists at incomparably high prices for it;

public and private investment in tourism and, as a consequence, the further interest of domestic and foreign investors;

And this is all with the growth of competition in the tourist markets of the neighboring countries of the CIS, the Baltic States and Europe.

Also, if we want domestic tourism to have good prospects in the future, it is necessary to develop the directions of the main types of tourism: transit and cross-border tourism, water, educational tourism, agro - and ecotourism, sports, recreational and health tourism, business and religious tourism.

Let's highlight the main directions for each type of tourism.

1. Transit and cross-border tourism

Based on the geopolitical position of the country, the program is predetermined:

- development of a roadside network of tourist infrastructure, allowing you to organize recreation for several days, including visits to nearby tourist attractions;
- organization of cross-border tourist routes, including visits to tourist sites of border states;
- creation of tourist centers along the main transport corridors, first of all, on the basis of small historical cities with valuable historical and cultural heritage (Mir, Nesvizh, Slonim, Zaslavl, Kobrin, etc.);
2. Water tourism

Taking into account the geographical location of the navigable rivers of Belarus, the development of this type of tourism is envisaged: on the Dnieper-Bug canal and the Pripyat river from Brest to Mozyr; on the rivers Berezina, Dnieper, Sozh from Borisov to Gomel:

Organization and implementation of water routes on sports vessels of the "kayak" type, small-sized rowboats along the Berezinsky water system, Augustovsky, Oginsky, Dnepro-Bugsky canals.

Creation of rental points with a fleet (pleasure boats, hiking boats, kayaks, kayaks, pedal boats), group and personal tourist equipment, necessary equipment for outdoor activities.

3. Educational tourism

- creation of conditions for the formation of tourist and excursion routes for different categories of the population in the places of important historical events and the activities of outstanding historical personalities of these peoples on the territory of our republic;
- more efficient use of the possibilities of available tourist resources for organizing nostalgic tours for people from Belarus and their descendants now living in other countries;
- more active involvement of young people in travel to their native land in order to foster respect for the historical past.
4. Agro - and ecotourism

The program provides for the following directions for the development of agritourism:

- creation of tourist villages on the basis of existing rural settlements with traditional folk wooden architecture, located in a picturesque area;
- activation of the use of the reserves of the rural population through the organization of rural tours with accommodation and meals in village houses;
- creation of agritourism complexes on the basis of agricultural production cooperatives.

The main directions of development of ecological tourism in Belarus are: organization of tourist trips to untouched corners of nature; photo hunting for rare animals and birds in natural conditions; swamp tours, acquaintance with their flora and fauna;

5. Sports tourism

The growing popularity of a healthy lifestyle, sports traditions, the availability of using the existing infrastructure predetermined three main directions in the development of sports tourism: health improvement of the nation through the development of active forms of tourism; development of "fan tourism" through the organization of tourist routes with attendance of mass sports events; revival of tourist and sports clubs;

6. Recreational and health tourism.

The basis for the development of recreational and health tourism is a more efficient use of natural resources and existing infrastructure. In this regard, it is envisaged:

- wider use for tourism purposes of the existing sanatorium-resort base of the republic;
- renovation of the existing and creation of new infrastructure, expanding the range of offered tourist services in places of recreation and health improvement;
- creation of summer tourist and recreational camps, campings, equipped parking;
7. Business tourism

The growth of business activity, the expansion of international contacts is a serious prerequisite for the development of business tourism. The focus will be on:

8. Religious tourism

The following directions of its development have been determined:

- using the potential of the main religious confessions;
- organization of pilgrimage tours;
- organization of tours to places of religious shrines.

Such specific types of tourism as medical, educational, scientific, event tourism can be identified as promising for development.

Their goals are to provide high-quality and relatively inexpensive services in the field of dental care, language education, scientific activity, culture. Sustainable tourism development is a long-term process that requires progressive and competent decisions in the short term. This requires: the development of recreational and excursion programs; implementation of acceptable service standards; the formation of certain traditions of hospitality; introduction of innovations and widespread use of information technologies; development of a marketing strategy in the field of tourism; creation of a modern infrastructure for hotel and spa facilities; improving the pricing policy when creating a Belarusian tourist product that can compete with neighboring states; further development of the tourism complex management system and the regulatory legal framework; improving accounting in the field of tourism; changes in the content and structure of education and science in the tourism industry. In general, tourism, which is developing steadily, allows increasing the income of the national economy, stimulating the development of other industries, strengthening the health of the population, developing the infrastructure of resorts and health-improving areas, preserving the cultural heritage and natural healing resources.

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The development of tourism is one of the priority directions of the socio-economic development of the Republic of Belarus. This industry has been taken under the special care of the state.
The state program "Hospitable Belarus" in 2016-2020 provides for an increase in the export of tourist services, an increase in the number of tourists and excursionists sent along routes within the country, an increase in the number of foreign citizens visiting Belarus, as well as an increase in the number of organized tourists and excursionists.
According to the forecasts of the Ministry of Sports and tour operators, 2017 will be the year of growth in the national travel market compared to previous years. Among the trends this year is the growing popularity of ecotourism, event and business tourism, as well as self-booking trips.
Today the image of Belarus is based on domestic tourism products. An illustrative example is the 1st place in popularity in the field of gastronomic tourism among Russian tourists. Also, at the end of 2016, Belarus took 1st place in the Agritourism nomination of the National Geographic Traveler Awards - 2016 rating among the best tourist destinations. And the national airline Belavia ranked 7th among the world's airlines.
In terms of tourism, Belarus has a number of advantages over other countries. Among them: proximity to Western Europe, Scandinavia, ancient history and distinctive culture, preserved natural potential and much more.
At the same time, active development of the tourism sector is impossible without an extensive infrastructure, which includes hotels and other accommodation facilities, sanatorium and health resorts, various cultural, art and sports facilities.
Agroecotourism has become relatively new for Belarus. Today, guests are received in more than 2 thousand agro-estates located in the picturesque corners of our country. According to the Ministry of Sports, in 2016, over 300 thousand people visited Belarusian agricultural estates, which is 2.5% more than in 2015.
The richness of flora and fauna of Belarus contributes to the development of hunting tourism. Hunting is allowed for 50 species of wild animals, including 21 species of mammals and 29 species of birds. There are 196 hunting lodges in the country.
Medical and health-improving tourism is also becoming more and more popular among foreign citizens. Citizens of 128 countries of the world were noted among the patients who received medical care in Belarus. In January – March 2017, more than 32 thousand foreigners were treated. In Belarus, the growth of income from medical tourism is expected at the level of 3-10% annually, depending on the economic situation in neighboring countries and, as a result, the income of potential patients.
Sports tourism should also be mentioned. Over the past five years, more than 100 physical culture and sports facilities have been commissioned. The number of major international sports events held in Belarus is growing every year. The republican calendar plan for holding mass sports events for 2017 includes 279 events of various kinds. Further work is aimed at increasing the number of sports events held in our country, accepted for competitions and training camps of foreign athletes, as well as comprehensive preparation for the II European Games in 2019 and the 2021 Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk and Riga.
Educational, culinary, industrial, military-historical, religious and auto tourism are actively developing on the territory of our country.
The development of the tourism industry is facilitated by the increase in the length and ramification of the road network, as well as the development of roadside services.
According to the Ministry of Sports, currently a search for investors is being carried out for 89 investment proposals for the construction of roadside service facilities and hotels.
Today the dynamics of growth of inbound tourism is observed. This is primarily due to the visa-free procedure for entering the country. So, since June 12, 2015, a visa-free procedure for entering the Republic of Belarus, leaving the Republic of Belarus and temporary stay for tourist purposes for up to 3 days on the territory of the National Park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha" has been established for foreign citizens.
Also, from October 26 last year, foreign citizens can cross the State Border without a visa to stay for tourist purposes for up to 5 days on the territory of the special tourist and recreational park "Augustow Canal" and adjacent territories.
Since January of this year, a visa-free procedure has been established for foreign citizens of 80 countries arriving in our country through the Minsk National Airport for a period of no more than 5 days.
Over the past three years, visas between the Republic of Belarus and Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Turkey have been canceled.
Today, every tourist and traveler can choose a vacation in Belarus for every taste. There are no snow-capped mountains and a warm sea with sandy beaches in Belarus, but in summer you can plunge into clean lakes, and in winter you can go skiing, and at any time of the year you can visit knightly tournaments, folk holidays, various sports competitions, festivals, theaters, museums, excursions.
Eva MOTORNAYA.

In addition to the national parks and the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, the system of specially protected natural areas of Belarus includes 85 reserves of republican significance and 348 - local, 305 natural monuments of the state and 542 regional levels. All national parks offer hiking trails for tourists. As soon as you walk along such a path, laid through the territory of the Blue Lakes natural complex, breathe deeply the smell of forest and pine needles, admire the lakes of the Bolduk group and climb the observation tower near the tiny lake Glubelka - and the Belarusian nature will forever captivate you with its beauty.

Thanks to therapeutic climatic and phytotherapeutic factors, deposits of mineral water and therapeutic mud, Belarus attracts fans of health tourism. People come here to relax, gain strength and improve their health in sanatoriums. There is a well-developed sanatorium base in Belarus. Belarusian sanatoriums specialize in the treatment of diseases of the circulatory system, digestive system, nervous system, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, respiratory system, female genital organs and genitourinary system, cardiovascular and endocrine systems, musculoskeletal system, skin and organs of vision.

Belarusian sanatoriums are equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment equipment. In total, there are about 30 hospitals of various profiles on the territory of the country.

The geographical location of Belarus - in the very center of Europe, at the intersection of trade and military routes - has repeatedly turned the country into an arena of military operations. The battles of the Northern War thundered here, during which many Belarusian castles were damaged and the legendary St. Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk was blown up. For more than two and a half years, the front of the First World War passed through the territory of present-day Belarus - through the Myadel region, Vileyshchina and Smorgon region. In these places, Russian and German cemeteries of the First World War have been preserved. Numerous material evidences of the war have survived in the form of concrete and earth fortifications, dilapidated stone bridges over rivers and narrow-gauge railways, which were built by German military engineers to advance deep into the Russian Empire. In memory of those killed in the last, World War II, magnificent memorials have been created in the Brest Fortress, on the site of the burned village of Khatyn, on the Buinichsky field near Mogilev. Excursion routes, laid in places of dramatic military events, will interest the adherents of military history tourism. The only memorial dedicated to the First World War operates in the village of Zabrodye near Naroch. For many years, the artist Boris Tsitovich was engaged in its creation. In Zabrodye, a wooden Orthodox Borisoglebsk chapel-monument was built in honor of those who fell in battles during the First and Second World Wars. A monument to the soldiers of the First World War is erected in the forest near the village. Every year, on May 9, a commemoration of the soldiers of both world wars takes place in Zabrodye.

The churches of Belarus are of particular interest to lovers of history and architecture: in a country that has long been a European "crossroads", you can see Catholic churches, Orthodox churches, synagogues, Tatar mosques, wooden churches of the Old Believers. This opens up rich opportunities for religious tourism. Thousands of pilgrims every year visit the largest Orthodox monastery in Belarus - the Holy Dormition Zhirovitskaya monastery, where the miraculous image of the Zhirovitskaya Mother of God is kept. The Day of Remembrance of the Icon of the Mother of God Yurovichskaya is celebrated on 13 September. Every year on this day, in honor of the miraculous image, a procession is held from Mozyr to Yurovichi. Every year at the beginning of July, thousands of pilgrims go to the modest village of Budslav, where the miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Budslav is kept in a magnificent baroque church.

There are travelers who visit the country not to get acquainted with its monuments or nature, but to find, meet with business partners, visit a specialized exhibition or hold a seminar. All conditions have been created for business tourism in Belarus. In hotels that are interested in attracting business tourists, guests will be offered not only accommodation, but also additional services: mandatory internet in the room, a restaurant, a swimming pool, a guarded parking lot, ordering air and train tickets, currency exchange, etc. The geographical position of Belarus is a trump card for the development of business tourism: after all, it is very convenient to hold international exhibitions, business symposia, conferences and business meetings in the center of Europe. In search of an ideal venue for business symposia, their organizers increasingly pay attention to the new building of the National Library of Belarus. There are 20 reading rooms on 25 floors of the building, and about 14 million printed publications are kept in the library's funds, including about 70 thousand old printed books and manuscripts. There are art and photo galleries, a unique book museum, an Internet center, an international press center, and a conference hall for 450 people.

And when business issues are resolved, you can arrange a corporate trip to nature or a rural estate to communicate in an informal setting.

In recent years, such a direction as nostalgic tourism... Most often, trips in a nostalgic style are undertaken by residents of the CIS countries, as well as Poland and Israel. A meeting with the homeland is always extremely exciting ... And those who are associated with Belarus only by the origin of their parents want to see the homeland of their ancestors, find the graves of their relatives, and if they are lucky, meet people who remember them.

Many Belarusian rural estates are venues that attract fans of event tourism. In the Rossony region, the festival of rural tourism "Zaborsky Fest" and the festival of the Belarusian horse are held. The farmstead "On Zarechnaya Street" (Kobrin district, Brest region) is the center of the traditional culinary competition "Polesie delicacies", in the village of Komarovo (Myadel district, Minsk region), an exhibition-fair of national crafts "Komarovo - a circle of days" is held. The manor "Sandy Coast" (Bykhovsky district, Mogilev region) at the end of summer invites all fans of fishing and fans of the author's song to the "Big bard-fishing".

In early May, Turov hosts the traditional Sandpiper Festival attracting nature lovers from all over Belarus. The festival takes place next to the unique Turov meadow - one of the most important nesting and stopping places for many species of waterbirds during migrations. It is here that the largest in Belarus stable settlement of the morodunka sandpiper, included in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus, is located.

Leisure

For lovers of outdoor activities, Belarus is a real find. Forests, parks, a huge number of lakes and rivers will make a simple vacation an interesting and memorable journey across the Belarusian land.

Hiking

For hiking, Belarusian cities are expanse. In addition to the pedestrianized streets, each area has its own interesting hiking trails to local attractions.

In the Vitebsk region, a tourist can walk in the "Land of yellow water lilies and gray boulders". If you want to see natural monuments, ancient settlements, burial mounds, be sure to go hiking in the Lepel land.

In the Mogilev region there are routes to places connected with the Great Patriotic War.

In the Minsk region, tourists can visit places where battles were fought during the Patriotic War of 1812.

In the Gomel region, walks along the ecological paths of the "Pripyat Park" are possible.

Guests of the Grodno region are invited to walk along the "royal road" from castle to castle, which the Grodno land is famous for.

The Brest region is rich in historical monuments. The most famous is the Brest Fortress. The stories about the fortress itself and the courage of the soldiers who fought, as well as the splendor of the local nature will not leave you indifferent.

You can get acquainted with untouched forests and take part in a photo safari by going on a walk along the paths of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha park.

Cycling tourism

Cycling has become a favorite pastime of modern people. The hobby has changed the face of city roads. Now in every Belarusian regional center, in addition to roads for cars and pedestrians, there are many bike paths.

There is a central cyclist route in every city. Following its direction, the traveler can get acquainted with the parks, water channels and architecture of the city.

The most popular city route in Minsk is the 27 km central cycle path.

A bike ride can become a real expedition if you follow the routes of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. There are four cycling routes on the territory of the Pushcha. They, in turn, are equipped with signs and information boards. If you are tired along the way, you can take a breath in the special places for rest. The routes are designed according to the level of training: from beginners to experienced cyclists. A ride along the bike paths of the Pushcha is accessible to everyone: you can ride both your own bike and a bike rented in the national park.

Water tourism

Let's start with simple arithmetic: there are more than twenty thousand rivers and over eleven thousand lakes in Belarus, in total: more than thirty thousand routes for water expeditions.

You can start a water cruise with a boat trip, it is not only a rest, but also an excursion to local attractions.

A hike along the rivers of Belarus can take from several days to a week, during this time views of the generous Belarusian nature will open up for you, which will allow you to feel like one with it.

The organization of water activities should be taken seriously. Those wishing to go hiking on the rivers of Belarus should join a team that includes water tourism professionals.

The famous Braslav lakes are located on the territory of the Minsk region. Swimming in kayaks or boats on local lakes and bays will acquaint the traveler with the “blue necklace” of Belarus.

The Augustow Canal is the pearl of the Grodno region. For several years now, kayakers from Lithuania, Poland and Belarus have been rafting on the Augustow Canal. Tourists note that this place is attractive for its historical values: bridges of the 19th century, inscriptions on the walls from the First World War.

The Oginsky Canal is a route along an old waterway, built in the 18th century at the expense of the leader of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Mikhail Kazimir Oginsky. A walk along this route will show you all the beauty of Belarusian Polesie.

Equestrian tourism

Equestrian tourism in Belarus is represented by equestrian clubs, riding centers, where there is an opportunity not only to ride around the arena, but also to take part in an equestrian trip from one to several days.

The Golden Horseshoe route in Glubokoe is very popular. Following this route, you can see the former residence of Count Mole, visit rural estates and taste dishes of the national Belarusian cuisine.

You don't have to go to Glubokoe to take a horse ride. You can contact one of the equestrian clubs closest to your location.

Ski tourism

In summer, Belarusian slopes, hills and ravines are covered with bright greenery, and in winter they become a place for ski holidays. The temperate climate, the absence of the likelihood of avalanches, are conditions that are well suited for pleasant leisure.

In Belarus, winter types of tourism are concentrated in ski centers and active recreation parks located in the Minsk, Gomel and Vitebsk regions.

A famous place for skiing holidays is the Silichi complex. On the territory of the complex there are ski slopes for beginners and professionals, adults and children, trails for tubing or snowmobiling. After a busy day, a tired tourist can relax in a hotel room.

The active recreation park "Yakutskie Gory" is located 37 km from Minsk near the highest point in Belarus - Mount Dzerzhinskaya (345 m). In the winter season, the park offers: ride on the ski slope, ride ATVs or snowmobiles.

The ski center "Solnechnaya Dolina" is famous for its location. "Solnechnaya Dolina" is located on the shore of the Zaslavskoye reservoir or, as the locals call it, the Minsk Sea. In winter, the "sea" becomes a place for ice skating, downhill and cross-country skiing, and if you like extreme recreation, then you should look into the snow park, where you can go snowboarding.

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