November 7, Sharkovshchina /Olga Bogacheva - BELTA/. Religious tourism is developing in the Vitebsk region. This was stated to journalists by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Aleksandr Kosinets, who was participating in the opening ceremony of the Sharkovshchina Central District Hospital, in response to a question from a BELTA correspondent. According to him, the authorities' attention to the improvement of cities and spiritual sites has increased tourist interest in them. "Today, there is an influx of pilgrims wishing to see the Holy Assumption and Holy Protection Cathedrals, the Resurrection Church, and the Annunciation Church in the regional centre, before travelling to Polotsk to visit the Spaso-Evfrosinievsky Convent and other religious sites of this ancient city," said Aleksandr Kosinets. He also noted that Vitebsk has become interesting for trade as well. The introduction of such large facilities as the "Marko-City" business centre and the "Euroopt" shopping centre has contributed to this. In total, over the past three years, more than 250 trade and public catering facilities have been commissioned in the region. Furthermore, the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee noted a significant increase in the export of medical services in the region. "Currently, the Vitebsk region has the highest growth rate in the export of medical services. For nine months, it has increased 1.9 times compared to last year's level. As a result of providing paid services, including export services, our healthcare institutions have already earned over Br100 billion this year," emphasised the governor, noting that the work on constructing new and reconstructing existing medical facilities is carried out with high quality, care, and thoughtfulness, not just for reporting purposes. The provision of services in other areas has also significantly increased in the region, added the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee. For instance, from January to September, the provision of tourist services increased 2.5 times, and construction services increased 3.1 times. High growth rates have also been achieved in other service sectors.-0-