BELHYDROMET

On May 20, the Unity Day of Information was held at Belhydromet, dedicated to current trends and new directions in the development of the tourism industry in the Republic of Belarus.

Given the active development of the tourism industry, which is one of the priorities of the current five-year plan, this event served as a platform for assessing the current state of affairs and identifying vectors for further growth.

Victoria Kaminskaya, Deputy Head of the Inbound Tourism and International Activities Department of the National Tourism Agency, addressed the staff. Her presentation, based on analytical data and forecasts, provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of Belarus's tourism market, its strengths, and potential growth points.

The development of the tourism industry in Belarus is not merely a trend but a strategic objective embedded in the country's Socio-Economic Development Program for 2026–2030. By the end of the five-year plan, tourism's contribution to the national economy is expected to increase at least twofold, reaching 4.5%. Such an ambitious target reflects the recognition of tourism as a powerful driver of economic growth, contributing to the development of related sectors, the preservation of rich historical heritage, and natural and cultural values.
Today's tourists seek more than just standard excursions. High-quality modern service, a rich entertainment component, and the opportunity to gain vivid emotions and unforgettable experiences come to the fore. This creates a growing demand for original, unique tourist routes that can satisfy the diverse interests of travelers.
According to sociological survey results, five tourist sites stand out as the hallmark of Belarus. The undisputed leader is Mir Castle, receiving 18% of the votes. It is followed by Brest Fortress (14%), Nesvizh Castle (12%), the city of Minsk (8%) and Belovezhskaya Pushcha (8%). These iconic places continue to act as magnets for both domestic and international tourists.

Special attention is paid to the development of:
- agro-ecotourism — in 2025, over 470,000 tourists visited farmsteads;
- event tourism — including festivals and celebrations;
- industrial tourism — more than 130 enterprises are open for visits;
- medical tourism — a 37% growth in 2025.

By the end of 2025, Belarus ranked among the top three leaders in the Tourism Sustainability Development Index among CIS countries. The priority tasks remain improving the accessibility of tourist services, developing quality service, and implementing digital technologies.

The development of the tourism industry remains one of the key priorities of state policy, contributing to economic growth and the preservation of the country's cultural heritage.