On May 11, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Approximately 30% of tickets for the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" arts festival events are sold through travel agencies, Rodion Bass, General Director of the "Vitebsk" Cultural Center and Director of the Festival Directorate, informed journalists today, answering a question from a BELTA correspondent. In his opinion, working with travel agencies is expedient, however, some travel companies, in violation of the law, increase ticket prices for festival events, thereby obtaining additional income. Rodion Bass emphasized the unacceptability of such a practice. "The ticket price is fixed. A travel agency should receive additional income from tourist services: organizing excursions, accommodation," he stated categorically. According to Larisa Olenskaya, Acting Head of the Department of Culture of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, the Regional Executive Committee is currently considering the expediency of announcing a general tour operator for the festival. It is possible that travel companies, both domestic and foreign, will have the opportunity to work directly with the festival directorate. An introductory tour for representatives of the Russian tourism business to Vitebsk before the festival is planned in the near future. -0-

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