MINSK, 4 September (BelTA) - Eco-tourism accounts for a significant part of Belarus’ total exports of tourism services, contributing $2.6 million to the country’s economy last year, Director of the Tourism Department of the Sport and Tourism Ministry Irina Voronovich told a press conference on eco-tourism in Belarus on 4 September, BelTA has learned.
September has been declared the month of eco-tourism in the country. According to the director of the department, much has been done in the country to give a boost to eco-tourism, which provides foreign visitors with the best picture of Belarus boasting an abundance of unique natural monuments. The growth of foreigners' interest in eco-tourism in Belarus was emphasized.
“Let us take, for example, swamp tours. We offer great excursions along eco-trails - there is nothing like this in other countries,” Irina Voronovich said. “This type of tourism covers different social and age groups. We follow the global trend set by the World Tourism Organization and pay much attention to the principle of inclusion. Our eco-trails are equipped for people with disabilities.”
The work yields results. In 2023, inbound eco-tourism was worth $2.6 million to the country’s economy, up 31.4% to 2022. In January-May 2024, the growth made up 49.2% compared with the same stretch a year ago. The statistics testifies to an increasing demand for eco-tourism not only among foreign tourists. The interest in this type of tourism is growing among Belarusians as well.