The trade unions of Belarus will promote the development of tourism with Uzbekistan. The relevant agreement was reached at an international meeting in the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB) on 20 May, BelTA learned from the FTUB press service.

Guests from Central Asia, including Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Belarus Rakhmatulla Nazarov, representatives of the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, met with Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus Yuri Senko, the management of the health resort unitary enterprise Belprofsoyuzkurort and the tourist and excursion enterprise Belarustourist.

The main purpose of the visit is to study the potential of tourist exchanges, including through trade unions. The visit of Uzbekistan’s representatives to Belarus is taking place as part of the agreements reached during the recent meeting of the presidents of Belarus and Uzbekistan, during which it was noted that the parties should make every effort to increase the tourist flow from Uzbekistan to Belarus, and from Belarus to Uzbekistan.

According to FTUB Chairman Yuri Senko, Belarus and Uzbekistan actively develop inter-country relations and also interact within the framework of international organizations. The countries have a good potential to intensify cooperation in all areas, including the organization of bilateral tourism, which is an important part of the economy.

“Over the past two days we have studied the potential of tourist sites in Belarus. We have been amazed at how much importance Belarus attaches to the preservation of historical, cultural and natural heritage sites,” Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, shared his impressions of the visit to Belarus. “I think Belarus’ potential to develop tourism is huge, and for Uzbeks this will be one of the desired destinations, as here you can combine not only health tourism, but also see cultural sights, the history of which dates back centuries, and also visit unique natural sites of Belarus.”

Belarusian trade unions also have something to surprise foreign tourists. The Belprofsoyuzkurort system of trade union health resorts includes 12 sanatoriums of the first and highest category, located in all regions of Belarus. More than 4,500 people can receive treatment and recuperate there at once. Belarustourist is the oldest tour operator in the country, which has developed a wide range of routes to historical and memorable places of Belarus. In 2023, more than 14,000 tourist and excursion events were organized with an aim to get familiar with the history, culture, traditions and achievements of the country. More than 500,000 people took part in them.

Uzbekistan can also offer unique tourist opportunities for Belarusian visitors. These include World Heritage sites located in Uzbekistan, natural reserves, ski resorts, and much more.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the accessibility of bilateral tourism in terms of transport logistics and cost, and also considered the possibilities of exchanging organized tourist groups. The talks resulted in an agreement on cooperation between Belarustourist and Belprofsoyuzkurort with similar organizations in Uzbekistan.