Moscow and Minsk to open a tourist center of the Union State in Smolensk

Russia and Belarus are preparing to open the first and so far the only tourist center of the Union State in Smolensk. Dmitry Volvach, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, told Izvestia on Thursday, May 1.

"Together with our Belarusian colleagues, we are preparing to open the first and so far the only tourist center of the Union State in Smolensk. The high level of integration of our countries and the recently entered into force agreement on mutual recognition of visas allows us to promote the Union's travel products and routes both within the Union and for citizens from third countries. And it is economically reasonable," he said.

The indicators of mutual tourist flow between Russia and Belarus are also growing, he noted.

"Last year, the tourist flow reached 2 million trips, while the demand for trips is constantly growing. In many ways, this is facilitated by the openness of the border for citizens of the Union State and the development of transport accessibility," Volvach added.

The Deputy Minister of Economic Development also said that the Russian Federation is working with the EAEU and CIS countries to create cross-border tourist routes and harmonize working conditions in the tourist markets.

"At the same time, each country has its own marketing policy and national brands competing with each other — all this allows us to work on improving the quality of products and services. Do not forget that last year Russia launched its own national travel brand, Discover Russia, which we have already presented at six international exhibitions in the Middle East, Asia and the CIS," Volvach said.

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At a briefing on April 17, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the union state of Russia and Belarus is the most advanced form of integration in the former USSR. In addition, he noted that the SG continues to be a part of the global economic process, despite restrictions and sanctions.