VITEBSK, March 10 (BelTA) – In 2008, the total profits of Vitebsk oblast’s health resorts reached Br592 million. The profitability made up from 1.5 to 11.4%, BelTA learnt from Elena Andreikova, head of the Vitebsk oblast department of the Belarus National Centre for Recuperation and Sanatorium-Resort Therapy. The annual occupancy rate of the health resorts of the region reached 98%. In 2008, 10948 foreign citizens (22.6% of the total number of tourists) took holidays at health resorts of the Vitebsk oblast. The earned funds are invested in improvement of material and technical base. In 2008, more than Br17.6 billion was invested in this purpose. The Lepel Military Health Centre is renovating its therapeutic bloc. The Zheleznodorozhnik Health Centre is constructing a therapeutic bloc with a swimming pool. Children’s Health Resort Rosinka has already renovated its therapeutic bloc and opened a “hydrochloric cave”. In May this year, Children’s Health Rehabilitation Centre Zhemchuzhina is expected to finish the construction of one more bedroom block (140 beds). There are nine sanatorium-resort centres in the Vitebsk oblast including seven resorts for adults and two resorts for kids.

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