Belarus, a land-locked country in one of the bleakest areas of
Eastern Europe, does not at first glance have much to recommend it
as a tourist destination. Ruled with an iron fist by its
notoriously tyrannical president, Alexander Lukashenko, and his
Soviet-era policies, it is, for starters, not easy to gain entry to
the Republic, which has stringent visa requirements for all
foreigners (except the now independent former Soviet Union states
like Ukraine and Kazakhstan).
Life in Belarus is hard, and the country has suffered more than
its fair share of misery in its history, including losing 2.2
million of its people (particularly Jews) during the Nazi
occupation of World War II. More recently (1986) it suffered the
fall-out from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident just
across its border in neighbouring Ukraine. Foreign investment is
discouraged, and private enterprise is virtually non-existent.
Belarus does, however, have a vivid and enticing official
tourist website and, to all intents and purposes, is welcoming to
visitors who wish to spend time and money appreciating the country
in an appropriate manner. Those who take the trouble to access all
that is bright and beautiful in the culture and natural attractions
of Belarus will be rewarded with some rare experiences. Beyond the
clean lines of its capital, Minsk, the tiny towns and villages of
Belarus are living museums of medieval life, and the national parks
contain mysterious forests, murky bogs and swamps, thousands of
smooth lakes and a fascinating array of unspoilt eco-systems, fauna
and flora.
Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors in the
Vitebsk Region, where there are almost 50 designated tourist routes
involving hiking, cycling, boating and plenty of chances for
hunting and fishing. Hotels and health spas offer rest and
relaxation, and there is even a calendar of art and music festivals
in the region.
Anyone willing to toe the line and stick to the rules can have a
jolly holiday in Belarus, which is in sore need of the investment
of some tourist Dollars.
