The number of rural homesteads in the Vitebsk region increased 1.7 times in 2009

February 2, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The number of registered rural homesteads in the Vitebsk region in 2009 increased 1.7 times compared to 2008, reaching 273, Konstantin Vogulkin, Deputy Head of the Department of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, told a BELTA correspondent. The leaders in organizing rural tourism are Braslavsky, Rossonsky and Polotsky districts. Last year, agroecotourism estates concluded 2.1 thousand service agreements for both Belarusian and foreign fans of "green" recreation. According to Konstantin Vogulkin, local authorities and the branch of OJSC "Belagroprombank" - Vitebsk Regional Directorate, which provides credit support to individuals and legal entities deciding to develop this new direction, deserve considerable credit for the development of rural tourism. Over three years of implementation of the rural tourism lending program, 73 Vitebsk homesteads joined it, having received Br2.2 billion for the development of their business. To stimulate tourism development and experience exchange in recreation organization, the first regional competition for the best agroecotourism estate was held in the region. Winners were announced in five nominations. The largest number of diplomas was taken by Rossonsky organizers of rural tourism. Their homesteads became prize-winners in the nominations "Preservation of Belarusian Traditions" and "Healthy Lifestyle". The most stylish homestead in the Vitebsk region is also located in the Rossonsky district. -0-