Press releases

MINSK, 10 November (BelTA) – The first Belarusian-Latvian tourism business forum has kicked off in Minsk. The event opens the Days of Latvia in Belarus “Taste Latvia”, BelTA has learned.

Georgy Voyevoda, the head of the Latvian foreign trade office under the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Belarus, said at the opening ceremony that the forum will be aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties between Belarus and Latvia. The Belarusian and Latvian participants expressed confidence that the business forum will become a regular event and will contribute to the effort to boost the exchange of tourists between the two countries.

Yelena Perminova, Director of the Tourism Department at Belarus’ Sport and Tourism Ministry, pointed out that Belarus with is rich cultural and historical heritage is an attractive destination for travelers. The country pays much attention to the development of business and tourism ties with other countries. Measures are taken to create favorable visa regulations for tourists. Good results have already been achieved with the introduction of visa-free travel for foreign tourists visiting the Augustow Canal and Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Besides, Belarusians already enjoy visa-free travel to Israel, Qatar and Turkey.

Yelena Perminova noted that some 5 million foreign nationals visit Belarus annually. They stay in the country for an average of five days.

The Days of Latvia will be running in Minsk till 10 December. They will provide Belarusians with an opportunity to learn more about this country’s traditions and achievements. Experts say Latvia with its resorts and historical sites is a popular destination for Belarusians.