Belarus: Belarus Tourism Profile
2015/02/28
Belarus hosts 2014 World Hockey Championship
In order to prepare for the upcoming championship, the government implemented a number of projects targeted at developing tourism infrastructure and increasing the level of service in the country. These included the construction of new hotels, reconstruction of existing accommodation and catering facilities, managing the busiest road networks in Minsk City (the venue for the championship) and the reconstruction of Minsk National Airport. The championship changed the previous unfavourable image of the country and will attract additional foreign tourists in the estimate period.
Initial signs of visa simplification
Strict visa regulation and high visa entrance fees are the major reasons hindering the development of tourism in Belarus. In order to encourage additional hockey fans approaching to Belarus, the government announced visa-free procedure not only for the participants in the World Ice Hockey Championship, but as well for foreign tourists purchasing tickets for the matches. The visa-free procedure lasted from 25 April 2014 to 31 May 2014. No medical insurance was required for this period. This measure attracted 80,000 international tourists during the event.
International hotel chains come to Belarus
Trying to attract new investment , the government announced advantageous conditions for foreign investors. This, along with the World Hockey Championship, attracted the attention of international hotel chains to Belarus and prompted some of the large players approaching to the country. The inventory includes Marriott International, Hilton, Hyatt, Novotel and Kempinski. Most of the investment projects transaction with the construction of four- and five-star hotels, which are expected to open in 2014-2016.
Online services continue to develop
Belarusian Railway made a significant step towards the development of online services in 2013. Launched in 2011, its service was limited to online booking and reservation of railway tickets. At the end of 2013, online payments were available for all domestic destinations, all trains with Belarus-Russia direct connection and the Minsk-Riga train. In December 2013, the initial self-service terminal for printing tickets was installed at the central railway station in Minsk.
Low cost airlines still not present, but non-refundable tickets to be introduced
In the absence of low-cost airlines, air transportation remains expensive in Belarus and the market is dominated by the national carrier, Belavia. In order to decrease the prices and attract additional passengers to air travel, carriers working in the local market will be given the right to introduce the practice of non-refundable tickets for their flights from July 2014. The number of non-refundable tickets will be limited to 30% of tickets on a flight.
Economic recession hits Belarus
Financial crisis hampers investment in travel and tourism
Domestic tourism grows stronger
Good increase potential for air transportation
Tourism image of Belarus
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