Polotsk is developing a tourist brand, while Novopolotsk is preparing an emblem for its 55th anniversary

Polotsk is developing a tourist brand, while Novopolotsk is preparing an emblem for its 55th anniversary, as reported to a BELTA correspondent by the executive committees of the two neighboring cities.

Stanislav Krasovsky, Head of the Department of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Polotsk City Executive Committee, informed that in accordance with the state program for tourism development in the Republic of Belarus for 2011-2015, the city executive committee has announced an open competition for the creation of a tourist brand for the ancient city. Both professional designers and amateurs are invited to participate in the competition; this can include companies as well as private individuals. The main condition is that the brand should evoke positive emotions, reflect the historical, cultural, or natural attractions of Polotsk, and be convenient for production and replication. Along with the graphic symbol, the competition organizers propose to develop a slogan for Polotsk as well.

Sketches will be accepted until March 31. In April, a public discussion will be held, however, the final verdict will be made by a competent jury, which will include tourism specialists, historians, cultural figures, and marketers. The organizers hope that by the end of May, when the city day is traditionally celebrated, the chosen brand will be presented to the general public. Its author will receive a monetary prize, and a contract will be concluded with them for the use of the work. In addition, Stanislav Krasovsky did not rule out the possibility that the city executive committee will continue to cooperate with the author on the further development of Polotsk's image style.

According to the Department of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Polotsk City Executive Committee, in 2012, the export of tourist services amounted to $420 thousand, and the city was visited by about 300 thousand tourists.

The younger brother of Polotsk - Novopolotsk is currently busy developing an emblem for its upcoming 55th anniversary. As reported by the ideological work department of the Novopolotsk City Executive Committee, a special meeting of the art council discussed the presented sketches. The graphic sign will be refined, but the slogan for the emblem has already been chosen by the residents of Novopolotsk: "Proud of the past, building the future." It is possible that this slogan and emblem will also be considered as the tourist brand of Novopolotsk.