At the meeting of the heads of tourism administrations of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) member states in Bishkek (Kyrgyz Republic), the Belarusian side took the initiative to create the SCO tourism market, sb.by reports
Photo by Belarus’ National Tourism Agency
Director of Belarus’ National Tourism Agency Kirill Masharsky represented the republic at the forum, reporting on Belarus’ readiness to increase logistical ties between Minsk and key cities of the SCO countries. “Accessibility and comfort of movement are the foundation of any tourist flow,” he emphasised.
The plans include not only expanding the geography of flights, but also further liberalisation of the visa regime. The creation of a barrier-free environment is seen as a catalyst capable of multiplying the mutual exchange of tourists.
Belarus intends to attract foreign partners with unique conditions for the development of tourism infrastructure: the creation of joint tourism clusters; the construction of hotels, recreation parks, and ethnic complexes; the development of infrastructure for family and youth tourism. In addition, the country offers transparent conditions, tax incentives, and guarantees for investors.
During the meeting, the priority areas that make up the golden fund of Belarusian tourism were presented, and the SCO states’ representatives were particularly interested in health tourism, which combines modern medical technologies and natural factors; cultural, historical and patriotic tourism, which preserves common memory and heritage and especially resonates with the SCO values; and the Belarusian agricultural estates, which have already become a popular calling card of the country.
“The Belarusian side has taken the initiative to create common tourist routes,” the source reported. “The talk here is about the formation of a single SCO tourism market, where countries do not compete, but complement each other by creating cross-border products attractive to tourists from all over the world.”
Mr. Masharsky expressed confidence in the long-term success of the chosen course, “We are confident that joint projects, mutual tourist flows and cultural exchange will be an important contribution to strengthening trust and economic growth, as well as to achieving Sustainable Development Goals for our association.”