SHKLOV REGION, May 22 (BelTA) – Development of rural tourism and hotel business will help revive rural regions, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko told reporters. “We can assert today that rural tourism in Belarus is a reality. The first stage of formation is over,” the head of state said. Belagroprombank makes a great contribution to the development of rural tourism by providing soft loans to constructive initiatives in this area, Alexander Lukashenko said. The President stressed that rural tourism is very important not only because it attracts tourists to Belarus but because it helps ensure continued viability of rural areas and bring new lands into economic cycle. According to the head of state, Belarus is doing well in this business. It has studied the demand and the means of attracting clients. “We need to step up efforts in this area,” the President said. Speaking about the prospects of the new hotel compound in Alexandria, the President is sure that the project will be very successful. The hotel will be popular among athletes who come to take part in local competitions. “And let us be frank, there are many people who would want to see the place where the President of Belarus started his life journey,” he said. “In terms of hotel business, social infrastructure and the hog breeding farm in Alexandria should become an example for others,” the head of state underlined. “You see the perfect order here, though it used to be about the worst place in the country.” According to the President, the Alexandria example should be adopted with one remark – there should be fewer expenses. “The first, pilot project is always more expensive. But the forthcoming projects should be more cost-effective,” he explained. According to the President, this policy is bearing fruit. “Who would think that we will have issues selling agricultural products? Today the major challenge is how to sell, not how to produce. We have to build up processing capacities,” the Belarusian leader said. He added that two similar hog breeding farms are to be opened in Polesye.

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