Published on
August 18, 2025
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on August 18, 2025, talked over a critical proposal for the restructuring of the nation’s tourism industry in a session with the Council of Ministers. The proposal calls for moving the responsibility for regulating the tourism sector from the Ministry of Sport and Tourism to the newly established National Tourism Agency. This change would also involve the National Tourism Agency reporting directly to the government, which would be a major departure from how tourism is controlled in Belarus.
Belarus Considers Major Restructuring of Tourism Sector
The primary goal behind this proposal is to streamline operations and make tourism in Belarus more effective, ensuring that the sector can handle increased demand and deliver sustainable growth. Lukashenko has been vocal about the importance of tourism development as part of his broader economic strategy for the country, emphasizing its potential to drive economic growth and job creation.
The Need for Change: Addressing Belarus’s Tourism Challenges
During the meeting, President Lukashenko questioned why the current tourism regulatory body has struggled to manage the sector effectively. He also raised concerns about how the proposed restructuring would provide tangible improvements. He emphasized that tourism could become a flagship national project with the right support, urging the government to maximize the sector’s economic impact in the next five-year period.
Lukashenko pointed out that while Belarus enjoys significant tourism potential, the current infrastructure is not equipped to handle increasing numbers of visitors. He noted that hotels across the country were completely booked, leaving little room for further tourism growth without better service quality and expanded facilities. The president’s remarks suggest a clear vision to increase Belarus’s capacity to welcome more visitors while improving the tourist experience across the country.
Tourism Infrastructure and Service Upgrades
A major focus of the proposed restructuring is improving tourism infrastructure and service quality to enhance the country’s appeal to foreign and domestic visitors. Lukashenko emphasized the necessity of high standards in the hospitality industry. He used the example of poor hotel conditions, noting that if hotels have unsatisfactory conditions, such as pests or poor cleanliness, it would discourage tourists from visiting. He stated that the goal is to create an environment where even locals would prefer to vacation within the country, fostering a strong domestic tourism culture.
This approach reflects a broader government vision for tourism that focuses not just on attracting visitors but also ensuring that local resources are utilized to their fullest potential. The push for better standards is part of a comprehensive plan to enhance the overall quality of the country’s tourist offerings, from accommodation to cultural experiences.
Economic Goals and Future Tourism Strategy
In his address, Lukashenko raised important questions about the economic benchmarks the government hopes to achieve within the five-year tourism plan and beyond. He asked how the government plans to increase tourism’s contribution to the national economy and what the specific financial targets are for the tourism sector’s growth. This focus on quantifiable goals shows the government’s commitment to measuring progress and ensuring that tourism can fulfill its potential as a key driver of economic diversification.
Furthermore, the president expressed concern over the fact that many Belarusians often opt for vacations abroad, primarily in coastal countries with warmer climates. The government’s aim is to reverse this trend by making domestic tourism a more attractive option and encouraging locals to experience the country’s unique offerings.
A Strategic Shift for Belarus’s Tourism Industry
The suggested transformation of the tourism industry in Belarus is in line with the government’s grandiose plans for sustainable tourism development and economic well-being. By putting emphasis on the quality of services, widened infrastructure, and added capacity, Belarus aims to become a more competitive and appealing tourist destination. The inclusion of the National Tourism Agency will introduce a more harmonized strategy in the nation’s tourism industry, along with improved management and better coordination among the stakeholders involved.
