Horseback riding and participation in ancient rites - agro-ecotourism in Belarus has great prospects

Country vacation “charges the batteries”, distracts from everyday bustle and multitasking. In the farmsteads, guests taste dishes from local products, study rural flavor, traditions, authentic rituals, and simply choose “anti-virtual” joys. The promising direction of the hospitality industry is being improved by Decree No. 275 “On the development of agroecotourism”, which the Head of State signed on August 18. What will give a new impetus to the development of country recreation and will contribute to an increase in tourist flow to the regions, the expansion of the range of services provided, leisure with a national flavor, speculated Alexei Tarasenko, head of the Department of Economics of the Social Sphere of the Ministry of Economy, Zhanna Chernyavskaya, Chairman of the Standing Commission on Ecology and Environmental Management of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly, Anatoly Ganets, owner of the agricultural estate "Ganka", blogger-travenger Anastasia Denisyuk. Alexander Lukashenko:

I think there is no need to explain the relevance of creating a strong brand of Belarusian tourism. This sphere can become a powerful tool for promoting the image of Belarus as an open and hospitable country.

From the Address to the Belarusian people and the National Assembly at the VII All-Belarusian People’s Assembly, December 18, 2025.

Anastasia Denisyuk. The new document clearly separates the usual hotel business and colorful rural hospitality. Who will receive benefits and green light for the development of agro-ecotourism?

A. Tarasenko: The decree clearly outlines the conceptual framework, details the list of possible services, and defines support measures. The document fixes the criteria that distinguish the agro-eco-estate from the standard hotel business. We are not just talking about country holidays – agro-eco-estates should be the custodians of the cultural heritage of Belarus. The state will specifically support those owners who revive traditions, crafts, local cuisine, authentic rites, rural flavor. This is a good opportunity for Belarusians to return to their origins, and for foreign guests to see the real Belarus.

Zh. Chernyavskaya: The sphere of agrotourism should not turn into a pragmatic business, it is important to be based on a unique history, local identity and national cultural code. Work at these levels allows you to reformat the perception of estates as places for a habitual country holiday. Using the visa-free regime, more and more foreigners visit Belarus with interest, post beautiful photos on social networks, share their impressions of what they saw. It is important that rest in agricultural estates gives new knowledge about our country and impressions, forms a recognizable national brand.

Ah. Tarasenko: Innovations expand opportunities for owners of agro-eco estates, allowing them to work on a larger scale. Thus, the limit of living rooms has been increased to 15, which opens the way to receiving not only small companies, but also excursion groups. The range of services is also expanding: now it is possible to hold gastronomic and thematic cultural events, family celebrations in accordance with folk customs and traditions, evenings of Belarusian culture, as well as develop leisure infrastructure - from the organization of contact zoos to the provision of equipment for sports and recreation, the organization of hiking, kayaking, cycling, skiing, horseback riding.

The document defines the requirements for agro-ecosteads. In order for the estate to be officially considered an object of agro-ecotourism, the owner must provide guests with at least two services from the approved list. One of them should be the key, revealing the essence of rural recreation, whether it is a local history tour, tasting farm products, a master class in craft or participation in a calendar and ritual holiday. This mechanism helps to preserve the authenticity of the format and ensures the targeted use of state support.

J. Chernyavska: The more original and varied the rest offered by the owners, the greater the demand. There are more interesting offers every year. Our regions are famous for their skilled craftsmen who preserve and revive authentic crafts. For example, straw weaving of Belarus is included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Art products and souvenirs made of straw are associated with our country, reflect the hard work of Belarusians - it is great when recreation in agricultural estates includes artistic practices demonstrating a living tradition that is continuously enriched. At the same time, of course, such master classes and interactives do not interfere with holding weddings and celebrations in agricultural estates, but it is important that the events have a reference to our culture. And of course, so that noisy companies do not disrupt the rest of the neighbors.

Ah. Tarasenko: The balance of interests of initiative owners and local residents is taken into account. For example, holding noisy events - weddings or festivals - now requires the consent of neighbors. At the same time, the procedure is simplified as much as possible: approval can be obtained through SMS, messengers or email. The main thing is that the message should indicate the date, time and person who gave consent. First of all, it is a tool to protect the owner of the agro-eco-estate from conflict situations.

Ah. Tarasenko: Approaches to support agro-ecotourism in the regions are changing. For agro-eco-households located far from large settlements (at a distance of 10 or more kilometers from the district center, with the exception of the Minsk district), instead of the tax on professional income, a special fee is provided - 45 rubles. This geographical landmark was chosen not by chance: today there are 1,441 agro-ecotourism entities in the country, and the leader is the Minsk region (400 agro-ecological estates). At the same time, for example, in the Gomel region there are slightly more than 100. The new rules aim to correct this imbalance. In fact, this is a targeted support measure for the “deep”, where the owners painstakingly, year after year, develop their potential. To receive preferences, subjects of agroecotourism should acquaint guests with elements of the rural way of life, crafts, traditions. To take advantage of this preference, it is necessary to apply to the district executive committee - the appeal is considered within 15 working days. If the established criteria are confirmed, from the next month, the most comfortable and cost-effective mode of operation will be included for the agro-eco-estate.

J. Chernyavska: If we consider the tourism industry as a whole, it stimulates the development of services, transport infrastructure and can become a driver of regional development. Initiative Belarusians find their vocation in their native land, without leaving for large cities, turning small locations into a tourist magnet. The presidential decree sends a clear message: the state is aimed at supporting those who develop the regions. The development prospects of each corner of Belarus depend on how strong and prosperous the state as a whole will be.

A. Gantz: It is important that in the development of the decree listened directly to representatives of the sphere of agro-ecotourism. A lot of the estates got a break. I think more clear distinctions are needed in the conceptual aspect, because often the place will be called “rural agro-eco-estate”, and it is located on several hundred in a cottage town. We have a peasant farm of about 35 hectares. Every year we come up with something new, we arrange additional locations. For example, the hazelnut garden has now been planted.

I would like to note that each region is unique in its cultural code, which is manifested in traditions, seasonal rituals and rituals. In our region, for example, as soon as the first snow fell, the "Zaruchyns" were held - the groom's side on a sleigh to the sounds of harmony, the tambourine went to get married to the girl. If she is ready to consider the offer, she greeted the guests with bread and salt. By the way, we also welcome all our guests with bread and salt.

The development of tourism depends largely on the leadership of the region. The interest of local authorities in supporting initiative enthusiasts, popularizers of historical and cultural routes, recreation with national color is important. Of course, the opportunity to receive preferential loans for development is also a great help in the implementation of plans.

Ah. Tarasenko: Temporary limits have been lifted, and now preferential lending through Belagroprombank has become indefinite. This gives agro-eco-owners long-term predictability for business planning. Loans are issued in Belarusian rubles at 5% per annum. The time for their return has been increased. Individuals can now count on payments for 10 years, and agricultural organizations that develop agroecotourism - up to 8 years. The new rules significantly reduce the current financial burden on owners. The released funds can be used for the development of infrastructure - communications, purchase of equipment or equipping additional living rooms.

A. Gantz: I am convinced that each farm estate should offer an unusual, original program. When in 2006 Belarus adopted Decree No. 372 “On measures for the development of agro-ecotourism”, the sphere received a powerful impetus for development. People moved from the city to the village. I bought a small house on a farm in the village of Epimakhi, Volozhinsky district. I’ve been to different countries and seen how hospitality is being developed. For example, we invite guests to bake bread or pizza on their sourdough in a wood-burning oven. Bread among Belarusians is not just a product, but a symbol of well-being and respect for work. We show how a tiny grain turns into a finished loaf. We hold weddings with unique ancient rituals. So, the bride and groom perform the first joint sacred action - together they create bread. Stunning beauty and the ceremony of removing the veil.

Special program for Carols, Maslenitsa. Children and adults are fascinated by the Batlake Theatre, where we perform the performance with the help of carved silhouette figures by candlelight. As a family group, we organize a musical program for guests, perform ancient songs, romances and compositions. We include a variety of activities in the program: kayaking, kayaking, cycling.

A. Denisyuk: There used to be stereotypes, many people didn’t take vacation in the country seriously. But now my husband and friends and I are discovering a lot of places with amazing views. I am actively sharing my impressions on social networks. Subscribers often write under the posts: “What beautiful places we have!” Rest in the farmstead perfectly complements the journey, allowing you to change the pace of the city to the silence of nature and get acquainted with the local culture.

A. Gantz: I see that domestic tourism is developing. In recent years, young people have been actively coming – they ride horses, kayaks, go to museums, immerse themselves in culture, history, and are interested in how to pump out honey and make bread. Rest prices are different, it all depends on the conditions and saturation of the program. For example, one day with breakfast - about 90 rubles. We also have guests from Russia, China, Europe.

A. Denisyuk: I appreciate agricultural estates, where comfort, coziness, natural beauty harmoniously combine. For me, the presence of a bath is especially important. Today, steam leisure is a separate culture, a whole ritual that relieves anxiety, rejuvenates, cleanses. The thematic decree stipulates that subjects of agroecotourism can provide services to guests, including visiting baths, saunas.

I will note the recreation center in the Logoi district, where we lived in a separate cottage with all the amenities surrounded by a pine forest on the shore of a forest lake. The dishes were unusual, delicious. A separate beautiful space was created for events. We traveled with friends, it was convenient to organize master classes and games in comfortable halls. Also remembered eco-holiday in the ancient apple orchard on the edge of the pine forest at the confluence of the rivers - Vilia and Servach.

A. Gantz: In our region, one of the first was created a tourist cluster "Vozhinsky Hotels". The initiative brings together interested competent people with a single goal, who share common values, which leads to promotion and development. Each of the estates is unique in its own way. Many visitors stay for a day for two, three, or even more – they ride a stagecoach, learn about the life of bees and the traditions of stewardship, taste homemade beer, study the history of our amazing region. Inclusive tourism is actively developing in the region.

We have stunning lands: guests, having rested in the farmstead, get acquainted with the ancient Volozhin, the picturesque Nalibok Forest, pass the roads of Rakov smugglers who traded here at the beginning of the last century. Tourists then enthusiastically share their impressions and admit that they have learned a lot.

A. Denisyuk: Many Belarusians who grew up in cities, alas, are not familiar with the village vaib: walking barefoot on the grass, fresh air, singing birds, baths and food from natural products. Various authentic farmsteads help to touch simple joys, return to the origins. For example, in the village of Tinevichi, guests are offered traditional cuisine in tavern, a firewood bath, fishing, cycling, fragrant herbal tea with honey and much more, which helps to “ground” and imbue with our culture. Industrialization dictates the rhythm of life, but it is important not to lose touch with nature and cultural heritage. Among the issues that, in my opinion, still need to be refined is improving communication and promptly resolving various nuances on the ground. After all, sometimes a request for additional hygiene supplies can be heard: “It is necessary to spend more economically.” It shouldn't be like this. Agroecotourism is a story not only about money, but also about passion, love for people, the desire to surprise them and make them happier.

FIGURES

In 2025, the number of subjects of agroecotourism amounted to 1,441, their services were used by 472.5 thousand people, of which 449.5 thousand holidaymakers were Belarusians. The largest number of farmsteads is concentrated in Minsk, Brest and Grodno regions.

hilkok@sb.by