The concept of tourism development was discussed in the Braslav district

There can never be too many tourists, or should we chase their numbers. Two such, in essence, mutually exclusive opinions were voiced at the seminar during the discussion of the issue "Networking in the tourism sector of Braslav as a tool for sustainable territorial development." Its holding was initiated by the public organization "Traditions and Innovations of Pozerie" and its project partners within the framework of the support program for Belarus "Overcoming Borders," which is implemented on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the German Society for International Cooperation. This was the first of a planned series of meetings, the goal of which is to improve interaction and communication between the main subjects of tourist activities and related services for the full and effective promotion of the Braslav region as a center of sustainable tourism in Belarus.

Starting with a discussion of the very term "sustainable development," representatives of business entities involved in tourism in one way or another, as well as owners of several agro-estates, began a conversation about the current state of tourism in the region and how to further develop this type of activity, how to make it one of the main spheres that will bring funds to the entire region.

Among the positive aspects, attendees noted that Braslav and many other settlements are becoming increasingly attractive to tourists. New recreation areas are being developed, catering facilities are opening, and rental services are expanding… Enterprises, institutions, and the population are tracking the preferences of townspeople regarding recreation organization and strive to meet their demands. It is precisely for a break from the urban hustle and bustle that people come to the Braslav region. For this category of visitors, whose numbers have been growing rapidly in recent years, the Braslav Lakes National Park has equipped about 80 campsites. These sites offer stationary cabins, saunas, beaches, piers, and rentals of boats, catamarans, and sports equipment. Yulia Pavlovskaya, Head of the National Park's Tourism Department, reported that the campsites were practically fully booked until October. Despite the seasonality, tourism accounts for one-third of the environmental institution's economic activities, and it makes up 60% of the district's tourism service package.

With good organization, this type of activity is profitable and, therefore, promising. KUP ZhKH "Braslav-kommunalnik" has built its own campsite on the shore of Lake Drivyaty, excursion services are provided not only by the local history museum but also by a number of other organizations and private guides, and the number of agro-tourism estates is growing, totaling 280 this season.

But where can a tourist get information about the services offered? It turned out that the presence of QR codes at city bus stops, signposts, and the tourist information center of FSK "Drivyatich" is insufficient, according to vacationers' feedback. An online platform is needed where the district can most comprehensively advertise all the possibilities of the lake region.

This should be done professionally, noted Yevgeny Labut, one of the organizers of the Viva Braslav music and sports festival. Disparate information on various websites does not provide tourists with the necessary details: how to get there, where to stay and eat, what events and excursions are taking place, where rental points are located, and where to buy lake fish… In short, to promote the Braslav region, various tools and methods should be used, including mobile tourist navigation.

However, the region's tourism industry lacks not only informational support. According to many, the culture of service needs to be improved, and communication ties need to be developed. Services of other tourism industry participants should be advertised. Especially since its opportunities are expanding. Braslav has the prospect of becoming a visa-free zone, and domestic tourism is developing intensively.

Expert Alexander Lampert expressed a slightly different view on sustainable tourism in the Braslav region. The industry can be developed as long as it does not harm the environment, and an increase in the number of tourists can disrupt its sustainability. Using the example of different regions and countries, he showed how residents of cities overcrowded with tourists began to suffocate from the number of visitors.

There are four tourism development programs in the Braslav region, but there is no single concept. Participants of the seminar believe that it should be created with the involvement of the public. This will take into account more opinions and lead to fewer mistakes.

"Vitebskiye vesti".