Nearly 200,000 Russian tourists visited Byelorussia in 2017

“In 2017 Belarus was visited by 192 thousand Russian tourists, which is 68% of the total cross-border tourist traffic and 247 thousand Belarusian visited Russia”, - reported the press service of Rosturizm. The tourist exchange between the countries was discussed at the meeting of the Head of Rosturism Oleg Safonov with the delegation of Republic of Belarus, which included the Minister of Sport and Tourism of the country Sergei Kovalchuk, the vice-president of Belarusian National Olympic Committee Andrei Astashevich and the adviser of Belarusian Embassy in Russia Natalia Vashchilo. As part of the meeting, it was noted that cross-border routes linking Belarus and Russia have been developed. In particular, tours along Vitebsk and Mogilev regions include visits Smolensk and Talashkino village, where lived such artists as Repin, Rerich, Vrubel and others. "The study and use of the historical and cultural heritage of the famous trade route "From Varangians to Greeks" has great prospects for both countries. The creation and promotion of the corresponding tourist product will not only attract additional tourists to Russia and Belarus, but will also promote friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two states", - underlined the press service of Rosturizm.