Development of religious tourism and expansion of tourism potential of Grodno region discussed in Zhirovichi

The key topics of the dialogue platform “Religious objects as points of attraction of tourists and pilgrims”, which was held in the Holy Dormition Zhirovichi Monastery, were the development of religious tourism, the expansion of the tourist potential of the region and the prospects for creating two-day routes.

Archbishop Guriy of Novogrudok and Slonim, Viceroy of Zhirovichi Monastery noted that the development of religious tourism is under constant control and is actively discussed in cooperation with the leadership of the country and the Belarusian Orthodox Church.

“The development of religious tourism is being raised. That is why we have gathered today to work more closely with the benefit of our people. Our main task is to ensure that first of all the inhabitants of Belarus receive both spiritual and physical benefits, His Eminence Guriy stressed.

He dwelled in detail on the uniqueness of the monastery, where the miraculous icon of the Mother of God Zhirovichskaya has been kept for more than 500 years. He also drew the attention of the participants to the need for more detailed acquaintance of tourists with the shrines of the monastery, the stories of healings, as well as the need to increase the time of stay of tourist groups in the monastery, so that guests could leisurely explore the complex, visit services and buy souvenirs.

Chairman of the Slonim District Executive Committee Vitaly Shuleyko drew the attention of the participants to the tourist opportunities of the entire Slonim district.

Slonim land is always happy for tourists, our infrastructure is actively developing. Next year, our district hosts the regional festival-fair of Dazhynki village workers, so we are already preparing the city for this event. Infrastructure and road projects are being implemented. The investment project for the improvement of Zhirovichi laid the clearing of the Viknya stream with the arrangement of a pedestrian zone. There are many ideas: we will install benches, place stones with the carved Ten Commandments. The project is already ready, and next year we plan to start work, Vitaly Shuleyko shared his plans.

In addition, the chairman proposed to shift the focus from day trips to two-day tours with an overnight stay in Slonim, so that tourists have more time both to visit shrines and to get acquainted with the secular culture and sights of the region.

Director of the National Tourism Agency Kirill Masharsky stressed the exceptional role of the church in strengthening the spiritual foundations of society, preserving interfaith harmony and cultural values. “Historical and cultural tourism has enormous potential, and it is extremely important for us to join efforts to develop joint programs. I strongly support the proposal to consider tours that provide for overnight stays and the organization of two-day excursions. I am sure that the joint efforts of the state, the Belarusian Orthodox Church and the tourist community will contribute both to the economic development of the regions and to the spiritual education of people.

The role of the religious heritage of Belarus in the development of tourism was discussed by participants of the visiting seminar in Grodno region