Minsk is an ancient city and the capital of Belarus. It is a city of rich traditions and great cultural heritage. Minsk has what to show its guests. With the right approach to the matter industry of tourism can be turned into a key sector of Minsk economy.

The government of Belarus has developed a special programme of tourism development in Minsk-city. Accredited in Belarus tourist companies are ordered to conduct a campaign on attracting foreign tourists to the country. However, compared to stream of tourists into European capitals, which runs into millions, 60,000 to Minsk a year is a treat for the eye, frankly speaking.

So why is there no enthusiasm among tourists about visiting the “geographical “centre of Europe?

On the one hand, Soviet heritage and years of “iron curtain” makes itself felt. It is a kind of heritage that formed a bit wrong conviction among foreigners about the countries that were closed by this curtain from the whole world. Yes, you would not believe, but there are still people for whom countries of former Soviet Union are associated exclusively with vodka, severe commissars constantly hunting spies, Siberian frosts and bears in caps with ear flaps entertaining passers-by playing balalaika from time to time. It sound ridiculous and such conception of our country is gradually relegated to oblivion.

With the development of business and economy foreign businessmen like Italians, the French, the Lebanese, Syrians and Germans started taking interest in the republic and Minsk in particular. According to the words of the head of “BNK Engineering” holding on realization of investments in building and industry Mr. Abdo Romeo Abdo, the fast-developing building greatly attracts foreign investors. It is especially building in the capital. Mr. Abdo Romeo Abdo's company right now invests building of an excellent five-star “Hyatt Regency” hotel. Israeli concern “Levaev companies Group” takes part in creating a huge business area “Minsk-city”. In Minsk, you can easily a real Italian pizzeria or a Japanese restaurant. Students from many countries come here to study and undergo training courses. It is less frequent when you go abroad and hear a puzzling question “where is it?” saying that you are from Belarus.

Nevertheless, hopes that a crowd of tourists should about to pour into Minsk are still not realized. It seems that we invite guests but always forget to open the door. Belarusian visas for foreigners are not cheap ones and obtaining a visa is a long process. Residents of Belarus themselves have to go through a few bureaucratic levels, to put in loads of applications, to sign or notarize something to invite foreign guests. Not everyone can arm co self with patience to get involved in this.

So you can argue as long as you wish about the beauty of Belarus, historical places, cleanliness and beauty of Belarusian capital, but it cannot change the situation. Unless an easier system of entry and invitation of foreigners is developed, the majority of our potential guests will hesitate if they should pass through this closed door. In addition, our neighbours like Warsaw, Kiev, Riga and Vilnius will gladly count their profits from one of the most profitable businesses of the world that is tourism.