Tourists from Russia are coming to Belarus thanks to the expansion of air and rail links: direct flights to the country are carried out from 18 cities of Russia, and their average load reaches 88 per cent. This was stated by Filipp Guly, Chairman of the Board of the Belarusian Union of Tourism Industry, according to
BelTA, a partner of TV BRICS.

He noted the impressive growth rate of mutual tourist flows. According to him, more than 80 per cent of visitors of Belarusian hotels are citizens of the Russian Federation. At the same time, Russian travellers traditionally prefer recreation in health resorts and spa centres, as well as sightseeing tourism.

He also drew attention to the development of business tourism. Chairman of the Board of the Belarusian Union of Tourism Industry said that representatives of the Russian business increasingly often hold corporate events in Minsk and other cities of the republic and come on business trips.

The tourist flow from Belarus to Russia is also growing. Guly stressed that Dagestan, Karelia, Kamchatka, and Baikal are among the most popular destinations. In addition, Belarusians often take excursion tours to Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The news agency reminds that an agreement on mutual recognition of visas between Russia and Belarus came into force in January 2025. It is noted that this opens up prospects for attracting tourists from China, India, Gulf States, and other countries.

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