Belarus govt preps measures to support tourist industry – Rumas
<p> MINSK, May 8 - PrimePress. The government of Belarus is currently preparing a draft presidential ordinance to support the country’s tourist industry in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. The draft ordinance provides for introducing a moratorium on the return of funds by travel companies until December 31, 2020 for sold and unused holiday trips by customers. </p> <p> </p> <p> Belarus Prime Minister Sergey Rumas made a statement to this effect at a meeting with Chairwoman of the Board of the Republican Union of Tourist Organizations (RUTO) Oksana Bichun on May 8. </p> <p> </p> <p> The tourist industry was one of the first sectors to feel the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and therefore it needs dedicated support, said Rumas. To this end, the government has prepared a draft presidential ordinance, which will help alleviate some of the problems of the tourist industry. </p> <p> </p> <p> The draft ordinance provides for introducing a moratorium on the return of funds by travel companies until December 31, 2020 for sold and unused holiday trips by customers. According to RUTO, Belarus’ tourist industry owes customers around Br400m ($163.045m) for holiday trips purchased in advance (early booking). </p> <p> </p> <p> A significant portion of this amount was transferred to foreign counterparts prior to border closures due to the pandemic and mass cancellations of tourism applications. “Even today, the contractors of our tourist companies cannot return these funds. Travel is cancelled and, accordingly, travel companies cannot return the funds to their customers,” explained Rumas. </p> <p> </p> <p> In his words, Belarus’ tourist industry generates about 2.5% of the gross domestic product. The volume of tourist services exports amounted to $265 million in 2019. </p> <p> </p> <p> Currently, there are 1,544 tour operators and travel agents (5,453 thousand jobs) operating in Belarus. The sector also includes 2,670 agro-ecotourism subjects in Belarus, 812 tour guides and 207 certified translator guides. At the same time, the hotel and restaurant business and the entertainment industry are closely linked to tourism and generate high employment. End </p>
2020-05-09
Primepress
Belarus govt preps measures to support tourist industry – Rumas
MINSK, May 8 - PrimePress. The government of Belarus is currently preparing a draft presidential ordinance to support the country’s tourist industry in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. The draft ordinance provides for introducing a moratorium on the return of funds by travel companies until December 31, 2020 for sold and unused holiday trips by customers.
Belarus Prime Minister Sergey Rumas made a statement to this effect at a meeting with Chairwoman of the Board of the Republican Union of Tourist Organizations (RUTO) Oksana Bichun on May 8.
The tourist industry was one of the first sectors to feel the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and therefore it needs dedicated support, said Rumas. To this end, the government has prepared a draft presidential ordinance, which will help alleviate some of the problems of the tourist industry.
The draft ordinance provides for introducing a moratorium on the return of funds by travel companies until December 31, 2020 for sold and unused holiday trips by customers. According to RUTO, Belarus’ tourist industry owes customers around Br400m ($163.045m) for holiday trips purchased in advance (early booking).
A significant portion of this amount was transferred to foreign counterparts prior to border closures due to the pandemic and mass cancellations of tourism applications. “Even today, the contractors of our tourist companies cannot return these funds. Travel is cancelled and, accordingly, travel companies cannot return the funds to their customers,” explained Rumas.
In his words, Belarus’ tourist industry generates about 2.5% of the gross domestic product. The volume of tourist services exports amounted to $265 million in 2019.
Currently, there are 1,544 tour operators and travel agents (5,453 thousand jobs) operating in Belarus. The sector also includes 2,670 agro-ecotourism subjects in Belarus, 812 tour guides and 207 certified translator guides. At the same time, the hotel and restaurant business and the entertainment industry are closely linked to tourism and generate high employment. End