MINSK, 15 March (BelTA) – Belarus and Italy are planning to sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in tourism, BelTA learnt from Viktor Yakovenko, director of the tourism department of the Sport and Tourism Ministry. Viktor Yakovenko was in Rome on a working visit where he met with head of the Italian tourism department Caterina Cittadino. “We discussed all the issues and reviewed the document. It will be finalized to undergo all necessary coordination procedures,” Viktor Yakovenko informed. The interest in the cooperation in tourism is mutual, he added. During the visit the Belarusian delegation discussed the participation of Belarusian and Italian representatives in international tourism exhibitions and the exchange of information on legislation in tourism. As a result, Italy will take part in the Belarusian Holidays 2010 Exhibition which is due in Minsk in April. Belarus is considering the participation in the Milan tourism exhibition. “This year we will not be able to present the Belarusian tourism industry on a large scale. Therefore we will concentrate on the next year,” Viktor Yakovenko said. During the visit Viktor Yakovenko met with the president of the Italian Federation of Travel Agents (representing the interests of small and medium-sized business) Ms Cinzia Renzi, the head of the association of Italian travel agents (representing the interests of large travel agencies, hotels and restaurants) Rossella Francescini and advisor of the Ischia island administration Mario Zivelli. All these organizations are of interest for Belarus who would like to cooperate both with large travel operators and small travel agencies.

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