MINSK, 26 August (BelTA) – In H1 2010, the export of tourism services soared by 34.8% to reach $59.1 million, BelTA learnt from Spokesman of the Ministry of Sport and Tourism of Belarus Vitaly Semashko. In January-June, the import of tourism services rose and amounted to $17.4 million. The increase is attributed to a large extent to business trips of top executives and specialists of Belarusian companies. In January-June, Belarus’ tourism industry posted a surplus of $41.7 million. Besides, domestic traveling gained momentum in H1 2010. The scope of tourism services provided in Belarus rose 32.1%. Despite the positive trends, the Ministry of Sport and Tourism believes that physical education, sport and tourism departments do not do enough to promote tourism in Belarus. Apart from that, it is necessary to increase the number of road signs indicating tourism facilities and scale up the development of local tourism promotion programs. Vitebsk Oblast, for example, adopted an action plan under the code name of 100. According to the plan, the oblast will build 100 hunting lodges, 100 recreation zones around lakes, 100 motorway service facilities and 100 farm tourism estates. БЕЛТА
Written by belta.by
