Sports and Tourism Ministry: gastronomic tourism is integral part of travel experience

December was declared the month of gastronomic tourism in Belarus. Angelina Mazurkevich, a consultant of the Department for Planning and Organisation of Tourism Activities at the Sports and Tourism Ministry, told a press conference how gastronomy is becoming an important part of travel experience.

“In any journey, tourists inevitably get to know local cuisine. Gastronomic tourism is closely linked to other types of tourism,” the specialist explained. “For example, those visiting historical and cultural sites are likely to be interested in local dishes. Those on religious trips can try kosher food in synagogues.”

According to the expert, Belarus is actively developing gastronomic tourism. Events related to Belarusian cuisine, such as gastronomic festivals, are held throughout the country. The most famous include Motalskiya Prysmaki (Motol Delicacies), the Cheese Festival in Grodno, Batskava Bulka [a bread loaf fest] and Gastrofest. These events are a magnet for tourists, who not only have the opportunity to taste local dishes, but also learn about the gastronomic culture of the region.

“We have set up a working group under the Council of Ministers for the development of gastronomic tourism, we hold field meetings and approve roadmaps to promote this direction,” Ms. Mazurkevich added. “We also organise familiarisation tours, show our tourists catering facilities, hold master classes and tastings. We present the potential of gastronomic tourism at international exhibitions and through social networks.”

As part of the Travel. Feel. Get Inspired programme, 1,340 people have already taken advantage of free excursions and tastings in 69 catering facilities across the country. Also, as the expert noted, the Know Belarus project continues to gain popularity, and the series of programmes First-class Food Anywhere! became the winner of the year.

A schedule of events has been developed for December, including press conferences, round table discussions, thematic exhibitions and fairs dedicated to the gastronomic traditions of Belarus. All these events are timed to coincide with the New Year and Christmas holidays, making gastronomic travel even more alluring to tourists.

“In 2025, the practice of holding months dedicated to different types of tourism will be continued,” the speaker concluded.