Krutoi: Belarus, Russia need joint program to promote regional tourism

Dmitry Krutoi noted that Russia is experiencing a surge in domestic tourism. Belarus is also paying significant attention to this sector. The organizational structure of the tourism industry is being reformed: the status of the National Tourism Agency of Belarus has been improved, and it now reports directly to the government. In the draft social and economic development program for the next five‑year period, tourism has been identified as one of the priority areas. “Significant financial resources will be allocated for this,” he emphasized.

Dmitry Krutoi stressed that work with Russian tourists should be more systematic and effective, “because in fact there is an enormous number of offers.” He expressed gratitude to the leaders of the Russian regions for supporting direct flights to Belarus.

“These are regional funds. We do not have such legislation. Therefore, e cannot participate in them even as part of a subsidy,” he said, emphasizing that the issue of direct flights remains highly relevant. “Everyone understands the importance of these flights both for business and for ordinary people.”

“To further promote these air routes, we need to develop a joint tourism program and concept, similar to what we have in the aircraft manufacturing or machine‑tool building industries,” Dmitry Krutoi concluded.