Cholpon-Ata, Aug. 30, 2026. /Kabar/. The Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA) is proposing that news agencies from CIS countries develop joint journalistic projects to promote the tourism potential of the Commonwealth countries. The proposal was announced by BelTA First Deputy Director General Vasily Matveyev during a meeting of the CIS Information Council.
According to him, tourism is currently becoming a priority development area in the CIS countries, including Belarus. "Tourism is a mainstream industry, it is gaining momentum, and it is developing. Therefore, governments in various countries are investing heavily in resort development," he noted.
Matveyev reported that a separate National Tourism Agency was recently established in Belarus. According to the country's adopted targets, the share of tourism in GDP is planned to increase from the current 1.9% to 4.5% within five years.
He explained that historical, patriotic, nature, and resort tourism are traditionally developed in Belarus. He named the Brest Fortress, restored castles, and national parks and reserves, including Belovezhskaya Pushcha, among popular destinations.
He noted that agritourism is receiving special attention. "We have several thousand agritourism farmsteads, and today the state provides significant financial support. This sector is growing," he said.
Spa tourism is also actively developing. According to a BelTA representative, Belarus's sanatoriums and health resorts have been renovated, equipped with modern medical equipment, and are operating at high capacity.
Vasily Matveyev noted the growth of inbound and domestic tourism. In 2025, Belarus was visited by approximately 7.4 million foreign tourists, while domestic tourism accounts for over 20 million trips.
Furthermore, event and festival tourism is actively developing in the country, with various festivals and events regularly held in the regions, attracting tourists.
Speaking about cooperation between CIS news agencies, a BelTA representative supported the proposal to create joint tourism projects.
"We are extremely interested in this proposal. We need to develop a model for what we publish within our small circle, so that it doesn't turn into pure advertising, but rather genuine, engaging journalistic texts, and everyone can offer something in a format," he emphasized.
According to him, joint information projects could become an effective tool for promoting the tourism potential of the CIS countries.
"This is a brilliant resource for showcasing and promoting our tourism potential. We are joining in," concluded BelTA's First Deputy Director General.
