Gulyi: tourism between Belarus and Russia demonstrates record figures

Philip Gulyi noted the impressive growth rate of mutual tourist flows, and also drew attention to the transformation of consumption criteria over the past year. This is primarily about business tourism. Russian business representatives have become more likely to hold corporate events and meetings in Minsk and regional cities of the republic. The number of days spent on business trips is increasing.

According to Philip Gulogo, recreation in health resorts and spa centers, and sightseeing tourism are traditionally in demand. Interest in travel persists even in winter, which is considered a low season. More than 80% of the guests of Belarusian hotels are Russian citizens, which has become the main driver of the development of the hospitality industry in the country.

"There are more and more tourists from the Russian Federation. Logistics plays an important role in this: air traffic is expanding, and an additional pair of Lastochka daytime trains has started running between Minsk and Moscow," said the Chairman of the Board of the Russian Railways. He cited the Bashkir Longevity program as an example. Every week, groups of tourists - about 50 people - travel by direct flight from Ufa to Minsk on vacation.

The demand for holidays in Russia has also increased significantly among Belarusians. Many tour operators are ready to take blocks on flights to Sochi, Makhachkala, etc. Among the popular routes in 2024 are Altai, Dagestan, Karelia, Kamchatka, Baikal, as well as sightseeing tours to Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities. There are direct flights to Belarus from 18 Russian cities, including regional airports in Gomel, Brest and Mogilev. The average load of flights between the countries has reached 88%.

Railway routes are also showing growth. Destinations to Moscow and St. Petersburg are still of the greatest interest, but demand is also actively growing for routes to Adler, Anapa, Murmansk and Samara.

Since January 2025, the agreement on mutual recognition of visas between Russia and Belarus has entered into force, which opens up prospects for attracting tourists from third countries, in particular China, India, and the Persian Gulf countries, thanks to the opportunity to form cross-border travel routes. Starting from March 20, 2025, foreigners from 67 countries will be able to apply for electronic visas to Belarus in the same way as in Russia. And from March 1, 2025, it is planned to cancel roaming between Russia and Belarus, which will ensure comfortable communication rates for tourists from both countries.

Topical issues of the sphere are planned to be discussed in detail at the III Belarusian-Russian Tourism Congress, which will be held in Minsk on April 8-9.