The 26th international exhibition-fair of tourist services "Rest" has opened in Minsk.
The exhibition is held from April 18 to 20 in the multidisciplinary cultural and sports complex "Minsk-Arena" in the building of the speed skating stadium. It is the largest tourism exhibition in Belarus in the "Tourism and Leisure" category. Furthermore, it serves as an international business platform for countries, regions, and tourism companies from all over the world, presenting their products and services on the Belarusian market.
"I am grateful to everyone who responded to the organizers' invitation to come to the exhibition and demonstrate their best tourism opportunities. Belarus actively pursues a state policy related to the support and development of tourism, especially in terms of regulatory framework. For instance, by the decree of the head of state, we have opened a visa-free regime for our neighbouring countries. We welcome them hospitably, and people see how our country lives and develops. Belarusians receive guests with sincere cordiality, and this is our national trait," said Igor Petrishenko, Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus.
He also thanked his colleagues from Russia, the cooperation with whom he called the most important element in developing joint tourism potential. "The recently held second Belarusian-Russian Tourism Congress indicates that the tourism sector in our countries is actively developing. We are interested in our people travelling and gaining positive emotions," added the Deputy Prime Minister. "Last year alone, 5 million Russians visited Belarus. I am confident that there will be no fewer tourists this year. In addition, we are actively developing our infrastructure. Over the past three years, we have commissioned more than 39 facilities to create a comfortable environment for travellers."
This year, over 300 exhibitors are participating in the exhibition. Among the participating countries are Belarus, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Palestine, Cuba, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. For the first time, all 118 districts of our country are represented at the exhibition. Additionally, 27 regions of the Russian Federation are participating in the event. Participants and visitors of the exhibition have the opportunity to meet with representatives of international tourism associations, industry regulators, find new clients and partners, as well as learn about industry trends at unique business programme events. It is an effective business platform for advertising tourist routes, new tours, meetings with partners, and establishing new business contacts.
The exhibition is organised by the state enterprise "BelExpo", the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, and the National Tourism Agency. The general partner of the exhibition is the Nizhny Novgorod Region of the Russian Federation.
Source: vitebsk-region