Dear readers,

I would like to welcome you at the new web page of the Belarusian Association of Rural and Ecotourism "Country Escape".

Rural tourism will soon turn four in Belarus. However, it is not entirely accurate as in its haphazard form; it has always been in existence.

The idea of rural tourism development has always been around. Although Belarus is the only country in Europe which does not have either access to sea or mountains, it does however possess significant potential for such kind of tourism, namely 20,000 rivers and 10,000 lakes. In addition 36% of its territory is covered by forests and 7% by national parks. Also the Belarusians are known for their hospitality and tolerance. The country has a multitude of villages, which has remained virtually unchanged since the 19th century. So the setting is truly idyllic!

It is hard to imagine anyone in Belarus opposing rural tourism. It will provide supplementary income for rural residents and enable them to improve living conditions. Rural tourism will bring a great deal of benefits for the local authorities and the region as a whole as it will generate additional funds, boost the development of infrastructure and create new jobs. In the nationwide perspective, rural tourism will drive tourism development in the country and alleviate tensions between rural and urban areas. It will provide inexpensive vacationing in environmentally friendly locations for people.

The only thing lacking was an organization which would unite all the interested people and would allow this excellent idea to materialize. To this end the Belarusian Association of Rural and Ecotourism "Country Escape" was set up in November 2002. Hopefully, this date will be considered the official birthday of rural tourism. The NGO was created by employees of «Dududky» rural culture museum, tourism professionals and simply patriots.

The Belarusian Association of Rural and Ecotourism "Country Escape" currently numbers more than 700 members. These are primarily the Belarusians residing in rural areas, willing to muster a new profession and organize a B&B service in their farmsteads. These are people of various ages and occupations: teachers, farmers, economists, pensioners and youth. They are eager to set up their own businesses, ensure better living standards for their families and infuse new life in their villages, which are often on the brink of death.

It is not yet known whether rural tourism will rescue the Belarusian countryside, but it is abundantly clear that the rural Belarus cannot be saved without rural tourism!

Belarus is indeed one of the last European countries to embrace rural tourism. On the one hand this is good as we have a wealth of examples and development models to draw upon. On the other, we are still the last. Thus to catch up with the rest, we’ve got to work hard!

Rural tourism is a noble sort of tourism. We have been travelling this road for years. It is exciting and noble. Join us!

Our web page will furnish you with a great deal of useful and interesting information.

Chairman of the Board

Valeria Klitsounova