Belarus has declared October as the Month of Educational Tourism, the National Tourism Agency announced. This effort aims to spotlight history, culture, and learning in ways that go beyond usual sightseeing. Educational tourism officially became a separate category in 2023. Now, with the focus renewed, Belarus wants to offer immersive learning experiences, curated academic excursions, and special programs for both locals and visitors.
Events and Experiences
Throughout October, seminars, master-classes, roundtables, excursions and press conferences will be hosted in many regions. The country’s historical, industrial, religious, and adventure tourism sectors will link with educational tourism to create richer offerings. In January 2024, when educational tourism month was first tried, more than 56,000 people joined 381 events. The organizers plan an even larger scale this year, with more events and wider participation.
Infrastructure and Future Plans
Belarus has launched two dedicated websites to help both tourists and industry insiders. One is for professionals, the other for visitors who want to plan trips. On the visitor site, people can use a routing tool to design their own travel plans based on their interests. The sightseeing section highlights educational destinations and detailed info about institutions offering tourism and hospitality programs. To raise the standards of experiences, a new certification program for tour guides and interpreter-guides is underway.
Tourist Information Centers are playing a key role. Forty-four of them already exist, and more will open this year. These centers work with educational institutions to build featured travel routes. They support regional potential and respond to growing demand from people who want to explore their own country’s culture, nature, and heritage more deeply. Domestic travel has increased recently because many Belarusians appreciate learning about their history and natural beauty through organized tours.
With this initiative Belarus would like not just to entertain, but to educate. The government believes that blending education with tourism can broaden perspectives, deepen cultural understanding, and boost both the industry and quality of life. Travelers will gain more meaningful experiences; Belarus will strengthen its appeal as a destination that values learning as much as leisure.
