Export of tourism services in Vitebsk Oblast at $8.4m in H1

VITEBSK, 26 August (BelTA) – In H1 2013, the export of tourism services in Vitebsk Oblast was estimated at $8.4 million or 122.5% as against the target, BelTA learnt from head of the department of physical education, sport and tourism of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee Mikhail Portnoi.

He informed that over the six months the surplus in trade in tourism services stood at $7.7 million. The surplus is attributed to the improvement of the tourism management and regulation, optimization of tourism routes and formation of a positive image of the national tourism product.

The region has developed 422 tourist and educational routes, including 163 eco-routes. Vitebsk Oblast has the country’s second biggest number of tourist routes. 13 out of 20 international technical aid projects approved by the Council of Ministers are implemented in Vitebsk Oblast. The projects are estimated at ?5 million.

Mikhail Portnoi noted that Vitebsk Oblast is the country’s only region where tourist information centers were opened in all the towns and districts.

Since 2011, some 63 roadside service facilities and 57 hunting houses have been commissioned in the region; 155 recreation areas have been created and 164 agro-eco-tourism estates have been built. Br325.4 billion was spent on the purpose. At present work is underway at 19 roadside service facilities, 19 hunting houses and 12 recreation areas.

Tourism and excursion services are provided by 93 companies; tours around the country and the region are offered by 203 accredited guides.