Vitebsk region hosted participants of the World Congress of the Russian Press
The ranks of the writing and filming fraternity covering "Slavianski Bazaar" were significantly augmented by participants of the XIX World Congress of the Russian Press and the XII Belarusian International Media Forum "Partnership for the Future: Priorities of Modern Civilization." While hosting guests, the Vitebsk region invited journalists to participate in two projects – "Polotsk – the Cradle of Belarusian Statehood" and "Vitebsk Welcomes Guests." In both Polotsk and Vitebsk, meetings were organized for the congress and media forum participants with the city leadership.
The visit to the regional center began with a meeting at the city executive committee, and naturally, the largest number of questions addressed to the mayor concerned the festival itself. Answering journalists' questions, Viktor Nikolaikin reported that the festival directorate registers over 5,000 participants annually, and in total, Vitebsk hosts between 100,000 and 300,000 guests during these days, not counting those who come to visit relatives and friends in Vitebsk. Another figure speaks to the interest in the cultural program offered by the forum – 3.3 million rubles, the amount earned from ticket sales at the beginning of the festival, thus exceeding last summer's performance. This will allow for compensating more than half of the costs for holding "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" (this year, the festival's budget is 5.8 million rubles).
Festivals like "Slavianski Bazaar" are a significant component of the tourist attractiveness of a region and a country. This is the firm belief of Konstantin Ranks, a journalist from Finland, who arrived in Vitebsk for the first time but had heard about the international arts forum.
– It is evident that the city was preparing for the holiday, – shares his impressions the foreign guest. – From my point of view, not only concerts and official events are important, but also what is presented on the city streets during these days, what kind of stalls are set up, who sells what. As a person involved in tourist journalism, I consider this fundamentally significant. At the same time, it is important that the holiday is not a local event, but a major event of the year. Event tourism is also relevant today.
The fact that "Slavianski Bazaar" is a truly international forum was also agreed upon by the editor-in-chief of "Azerbaijan News", Gulnara Huseynova. More than once in Baku, she had to root for her compatriots who represented their native country at the competition of young performers within the festival. But this was the first time our colleague visited Vitebsk, Belarus in general.
– I am very impressed with the country, I even decided that in the future I will come here to rest with my whole family, and for now I will bring home souvenirs and products made of Belarusian linen, – says Gulnara. – As for the congress, I must note that it was held at a very high level. The speech of the President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made a great impression on me. It was pleasant to see his respectful attitude towards the Russian language. He correctly emphasized the work of the media. I absolutely agree with his wish that journalists work in a traditional manner. Good style and language, only reliable facts and no fake information that misleads readers. I am a supporter of exactly this kind of journalism.
Many colleagues, especially among Belarusian journalists working in official media, will surely agree with the opinion of the representative of the Azerbaijani press.
Responsibility for every word, whether published, broadcast, or appearing online, arguments and facts instead of fabricated sensations, competent and careful use of information, considering the immense influence of mass media on public consciousness both globally and within each country individually – these are the key points highlighted by the Head of State to representatives of domestic and foreign media during the congress in Minsk. And Belarusian journalism strives to follow this path.
In the northern region of the republic, congress participants – about 200 media representatives from 52 countries – familiarized themselves with the main cultural and historical attractions of the Dvina region and attended the Gala Concert of the grand opening of "Slavianski Bazaar-2017".
Natalia Ryzhkova. Photos by Anton STEPANISHCHEV. "Vitebskiye Vesti".