Second European Games in Belarus

MINSK, 25 October (BelTA) – About 30,000 foreign tourists are expected to come to Minsk to watch the 2019 European Games, BelTA learned from Anatoly Kotov, Deputy Director of the 2019 European Games Directorate, on 25 October.

“According to our modest estimates, which we did together with the Sports and Tourism Ministry taking into account our experience of the ice hockey world championship and the experience of Baku, at least 30,000 foreign tourists will be in Minsk for the duration of the European Games in order to root for their athletes and get familiar with the Belarusian capital,” said Anatoly Kotov. “Our estimates are likely to change because Baku is quite far and flying there is quite expensive. Minsk is expected to attract many more tourists.”

The official noted that residential premises in Minsk and the district will be able to easily accommodate 30,000 guests. “Many fans, who come for such events, don’t stay at trendy hotels or even rented apartments. Many bring their own tents. Then there are caravan fans. Anyway, our calculations indicate that we can accommodate everyone, who will come to Minsk in 2019. We would love to welcome as many people as possible,” he stressed.

Anatoly Kotov also said that about 10,000 guests will come to Minsk in 2019 to directly participate in the Second European Games. The number includes 4,000 athletes, 2,000 judges, 1,000 mass media representatives, and 3,000 people as representatives of the European Olympic committees, VIP guests, and support staff.

“As for athletes and coaches, the Student Village will be able to accommodate them. Judges will stay at hotels in the immediate vicinity of sport facilities. They will be able to easily reach competition sites without transportation. In essence they will be able to walk there within 2-3 minutes. Very convenient,” said the official. “The VIP guests will stay at Minsk’s best hotels. The European Olympic Committees will be headquartered in the Minsk Marriott Hotel complex where amenities for deploying the HQ and a hospitality zone are available. The Falcon Club is located next to the hotel. So everything will be rather close,” said Anatoly Kotov.