Белорусско-британские отншения

     Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. [1,p.21] It has become a popular global leisure activity.

     There are several reasons why Belarusians want to visit Britain. The first one is educational value of travelling. Man has moved one place to another in search of knowledge. Even now, in the age of technology and global communication, travelling to a different region or a country can help to discover new ideas, technologies and inventions. The best way to help you master a foreign language is travelling, too.

     The next reason why people travel is entertainment and rest. To see great buildings and natural wonders, listen to national music, get some knowledge about traditions and ways of different countries, taste new cuisine gives us new emotions, drive away the stress.

     A lot of people travel on business. Now, with the growth of international trade people have a lot of chances to do business with foreign partners, and they do it willingly. We can not but mention genealogy, with many visitors coming to explore their family and ancestral roots.

     Tourism is vital for Great Britain, as well as for many countries, due to the large intake of money for businesses with their goods and services and the opportunity for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. These service industries include transportation services, such as airlines, cruise ships and taxis, hospitality services, such as accommodations, including hotels and resorts, and entertainment venues, such as amusement parks, casinos, shopping malls, various music venues and the theatre.

     There is little doubt that the tourism industry is an important sector of the UK economy. With 30.2 million tourists arriving in 2009, the UK is ranked as the sixth major tourist destination in the world (supplement №7). International tourist receipts were 36.0 billion dollars in 2009 and the total employment in tourism-related industries was over 2 million people (supplement №8). London is the most visited city in the world with over 14 million visitors in 2009 (supplement №9). 

     As a result of the economic crisis and due to the outbreak of the influenza AH1N1 virus international arrivals suffered a slowdown.

     The UK offers some of the world’s most popular vacation destinations, from historic cities to tranquil ocean views. There are lovely country houses, majestic castles, unique structures and ancient monuments.

     Castles and Palaces in the UK

     There are many delightful castles in the UK where tourists can take a walk through history and learn about royal families of the past. Tourists can visit many stately homes. There are hundreds of these in Great Britain. One popular castle is Castle Howard in North Yorkshire. The entrance of the castle is gorgeous and has a dome overhead. The lovely park around the castle makes a visit worthwhile. The Scottish Edinburgh Castle sits on a hill high above the remainder of the city Edinburgh, and offers a view of where some of the bloodiest events of Scottish history took place. The Windsor Castle is known to be the largest inhabited stronghold in the world, and it is also the largest castle in England. For garden lovers, the Hever Castle and Gardens in Kent offers an enchanting landscape with a surrounding moat and a drawbridge for protection. Also in Kent is Penshurst Place, a gorgeous country mansion that was once the home of Sir Philip Sydney, an Elizabethan poet of the 1500s. The baroque Blenheim Palace in Woodstock offers visitors a peep at the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

     Charming Gardens in the UK

     The UK is known for its talented gardeners from the past, who each left behind a legacy that is carried on today. At almost every popular tourist attraction, there’s a garden to greet the visitor. Botanical gardens are frequent in the UK, so you can enjoy nature’s beauty almost anywhere you go. Anything from exotic to common flowers and shrubs can be found in the 300-acre Royal Botanic (Kew) Garden near London. These gardens contain the largest herbarium on earth. The Sissinghurst Castle Garden  in Kent has an unusual landscape and attracts many tourists during fall, when colours are vibrant. Stourhead is the most well-known garden in England, and is often called the birthplace of English landscape gardening. It is located in near Shaftesbury, on the outskirts of the Greater London area. The garden appeals to tourists with its flowering shrubs, trees and even bridges and temples, which add tremendously to the scenery. 

     United Kingdom’s Museums

     The British Museum in London houses the famous Rosetta stone and the Elgin marbles. It’s one of the world’s greatest museums. The National Gallery in London offers a dazzling collection of Western art, and represents many famous artists, from Leonardo da Vinci to Picasso. The gallery houses an abundance of Renaissance art pieces. Another great art museum in London is Tate Britain, where some 10,000 works are displayed.

     Touring Stonehenge

     Stonehenge is a very popular attraction that bewilders many visitors with legends and mystical theories dating back to the Dark Ages. It’s located near Amesbuty in Wiltshire, just 90 miles from London. When in Scotland tourists who will be visiting Scotland in late fall will find the Scottish Highland Games to be entertaining. From the Tugs of War and pipers and drummers to the sheep dog demonstrations, these games appeal to adults and children alike. It is a great way to spend a family vacation.

     More Fun Things to Do in the United Kingdom

     Many tourists enjoy cruising on Lake Windermere, the most famous lake in England. Taking a relaxing drive through the Cotswolds is another way to spend the day. There are rolling hills and lovely stone cottages for a great view, and the area is less than 100 miles west of London. Tourists also enjoy great shopping, play theatres and fine dining.

     Hiking is Different for Every Region.

     You’ll find breathtaking mountains to the north in the Lake District and in the Pennines. Also, magnificent mountain scenery awaits in the remote regions of Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland. If you are up for a challenging hike, the Peak District offers strenuous climbs to give you a real workout. For a less challenging hike, you might want to try the Shropshire Hills or the Chilterns. There are thousands of miles of English countryside if you’re just starting out with hiking. Visit the eastern portions of England where the land flattens to enjoy riverside strolls, see pretty skylines and visit unique villages. For hiking near the city, go south where you can stay in or near London, but still find a peaceful walk on the outskirts. Hiking in the southwest reveals Medieval castles, The beautiful coastlines of Cornwall and Devon, and also the gentler side of the Costwolds.

     In North Wales, Snowdonia has the highest mountain in Great Britain and Wales, and offers a great challenge for hikers. Scotland, a region known as “Highlands and Islands”, has many dark forests, remote islands, romantic castles and stunning coastlines. Some favourite areas for hikers in Scotland are the Cuillin range in Skye, the Fort William area and the Cairngorms. The United Kingdom is a great place to hike no matter what your experience level. You can take a challenge on the high hills or enjoy a relaxing stroll in the park. Either way, you’ll fall in love with the alluring countryside and rolling of the UK. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3.3 BELARUS AMONG THE TOP TEN TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

     Around 4,000 British nationals visit Belarus every year for tourism and nature.

     According to the British tourism portal Travel Mail, Belarus is one of the top 10 travel destinations for this year. Along with Belarus the list includes

• Australia,
• the USA,
• Egypt,
• Poland,
• Mexico,
• the UAE,
• Aruba (the Caribbean Islands),
• the Galapagos Islands,
• Malaysia. (supplement №10)

 

     For British tourists Belarus is one of the most unexplored travel destinations that have a lot to offer. For instance, the portal names several must-see places in Belarus:

• the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site),
• the Castle Complex “Mir” in the village of Mir (UNESCO World Heritage Site),
• the Palace and Park Ensemble in the town of Nyasvizh  (UNESCO World Heritage Site),
• the famous Belarusian bogs and marches,
• Minsk, the capital,
• the new National Library built in a hi-tech style,
• Lake Naroch.

     Some visitors might be also surprised that there is absolutely no garbage on the capital’s streets and that it is quite a safe city: tourists can purportedly walk in the centre even at nights without any danger of being attacked or robbed. Among the other Belarus’ advantages are low prices of the tourism services, safety and ecologically clean environment. In addition Belarus is rich not only in clean lakes, thick woods and medieval castles, but also mineral springs. All of this might help Belarus to reach the top 10 destinations not only this year, but also in the year to come.

     A joint Belarusian-Polish presentation of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha tourist potential for English mass media took place at the World Travel Market Exhibition in London  on November, 2009. The Belarusian Tourism Agency presented its national stand at the World Travel Market Exhibition for the seventh time, the visits of the Belarusian tourist industry to London has become regular. The tourist potential of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha was high on the agenda due to the fact that the national park celebrated its 600-th anniversary in 2009. Nine travel agencies of Belarus took part in the exhibition. VOKRUG SVETA Ltd was one of them. It is one of the major incoming tour operators for Belarus according hearty welcome to travelers from different parts of the world, catering for corporate market and playing  an important role in developing international travel business standards in the region. Today VOKRUG SVETA Ltd means about 25% market share of all the inbound business to Belarus. Since 2001 the company has been an Affiliate Member within the Business Council of WTO (World Tourism Organization).

     The problem of tourism was touched upon at the Belarus’ Investment Forum in London, 2008. With a view to developing the advertising and information business in Belarus and promoting the country’s image in the international arena, including sports and tourism business, the Sports and Tourism Ministry held negotiations with Buzz TV company, one of the world’s leading television and publishing companies, which has been providing services to state agencies and private institutions for over 40 years.

     The proposal to make a 52-minute documentary about ecological tourism and rural tourism in Belarus for posterior broadcasting via the world’s and Europe’s biggest channels BBC, CNN, Discovery and others (the viewer ship – around 450 million) is worth nothing.

     Working meetings with representatives of tourism business of England, Italy, Monaco, France were held. An agreement was reached to arrange fact-finding tours across the Republic of Belarus for mass media and representatives of tourism business of these countries. 

     The travel industry is a rapidly developing branch of the Belarusian economy. The industry’ average annual turnover has been excess of USD 20 million for the last three years, gaining 8% per year. According to the official data, the profitability of setting up a tourist business varies between 10-20% per annum depending on the market situation. Investments in the tourist industry exceed USD 18 million. Annual earnings per every tourism industry employee amount to USD 6.000-8.000. The tourism industry employs over 3,600 people. About 500 Belarusian companies are licensed for tourism business, with 86% of the number privately owned. The country is visited annually by about 100,000 tourists; during at the same period about 12 million people went from the country as tourists.

     Over 250 hotels can accommodate 30,000 tourists at a time. Travellers can choose between hotels, holiday camps and camping sites.

     In order to wisely use the national cultural legacy and the most valuable natural complexes for the benefit of the travel industry, the Belarusian government has worked out a state investment programme Belarus Golden Ring aimed at reviving the historical, cultural and natural legacy of the country. The draft programme provides for setting up a special economic zone for tourism and recreation business. The content of the regional tourism policy is implemented in Belarus on the basis of the Law on Tourism and the National Programme of Tourism Development for 2005-2010. [5,p.3]

     When speaking of Belarus tourism potential it is important to point out that it is largely based on native diversity and beauty, unique historical heritage including 15 thousand tourist sites of historic, cultural and architectural value, memorable places, connected with the names of the world’s outstanding historical and cultural figures.

     Ecological tourism, agrotourism, active tourism, hunting and fishing tourism have become widely popular in Belarus. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

     3.4 EDUCATION

     The London School of Public Relations, Chartered Institute of Management and Open University cooperate with local partners in delivering high-quality educational courses in Belarus.

     In February 2009, Belarus hosted the visit of Charles Grant, Director of the Center for European Reform (CER). Mr. Grant met Foreign Minister S.Martynov, Belarusian experts on European issues, political analysts and economists, and civil society representatives. He also gave a talk to students of the International Relations faculty of Belarus State University. Mr. Grant visit was the first in a programme of visits that is expected to bring senior UK experts on European affairs to Belarus.

     Each year we host the Belarus final of the English Speaking  Union’s International Public Speaking Competition. In 2009, ESU has agreed to open its Belarusian branch. With organizational work currently underway, it is expected that ESU Belarus will be established in early 2010.

     In December 2008, it was organized a seminar dedicated to the problem of domestic violence, together with the Institute for Training Judges, Prosecutors and Legal workers at the Belarusian State University, together with British non-profit organisation “British East-West centre” (BEWC). Since 2004, BEWC, supported by the British Embassy, has implemented a joint project that engages with Belarusian judges and prosecutors from across the country. The objective of this project is to transfer the UK/EU expertise in a number of pressing topics in the areas of justice and home affairs to the Belarusian Judiciary.

     In May 2009, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), East Midlands Branch Committee, United Kingdom and International Sakharov Environmental University (ISEU), Minsk, Belarus had been signed. The two institutions have agreed to cooperate in the field of science, engineering, education and professional development for the benefit of scientists and environmental practitioners both in the UK and Belarus.

     Each year, the Foreign and Commonwealth office offers future leaders, decision-makers and opinion formers opportunities for post-graduate study in the UK under the British Chevening scholarship scheme. Successful candidates are graduates, with an already established career and with an outstanding record of achievement or proven leadership potential. On completion of their studies, they will return to Belarus to continue to the country’s socio-economic development through implementation new skills and the knowledge acquired in the UK. The scholars will spend between 3 and 12 months studying at a British university. Candidates come from a range of academic disciplines and professional backgrounds, in particular human rights, media, law, international relations and environment. They are between 25-35 years of age.

     The Minsk-based Privatization and Management Institute has provided training courses developed by Britain’s Open University to Belarusian managers.

     In 2009 the Embassy supported the publication of a short Belarusian/English Grammar book. The book is a part of a series of Grammar books that allow Belarusian speakers to learn European languages directly from Belarusian without having to use an intermediary language. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

     3.5 CULTURE AND SPORT

     The British Embassy supports a range of cultural and educational events. They have hosted evenings devoted to such British traditions as Halloween and St David’s Day. In June 2008 they organized an art competition for young Belarusians to celebrate the official birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

     In February 2009, the “experimental” Churchill evening, dedicated to the life of the famous British statesman was organized together with young Belarusian actors. Further exhibitions and exchanges are planned.

     The Embassy has been cooperating with Belarusian Society for Protection of Birds (BSPS) to help preserving unique Belarusian birdlife.

     In 2009, they supported publication of the interactive “Birdwatching Guide”. The book is based on the educational materials developed by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. This guide is widely used by BSPB for training of educators and students. In May 2009, they worked together with Belarusian Society for Protection of Birds to organize Birds Festivals in Turau, celebrating biodiversity of unique Turau meadows. It is expected that the festival will become annual and attract international audience of birdwatching enthusiasts.

     As a positive example of the cultural cooperation we can mention the visit of Saint Cecillia Choir to Belarus, which gave several concerts in Minsk and Polotsk. The British artists let their Belarusian colleagues into their professional secrets.

     The UK and Belarus enjoy good sporting links. In 2008, Belarus played football against England four times: a 2010 World Cup Qualifier; Women’s UEFA Euro 2009 Qualification (home & away) and UEFA European Men’s U19 Championship Elite Round. Belarus also played Northern Ireland Senior Women in the UEFA Euro 2009 Qualification Round in July 2008. As part of the series of events surrounding 2010 World Qualifier match, the British Embassy helped to organize a first football tournament for integrated students teams “BE Friends”. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

     3.6 СHARITABLE AND HUMANITARIAN COOPERATION

     British charities are famous for helping people in need all over the world. Many of them operate in Belarus, donate equipment and medicines to hospitals, provide aid for Chernobyl children. A significant number work to help relieve the effects of the 1986 Chernobyl Disaster. Each year about 3,500 Belarusian children from the Chernobyl affected regions go on recuperation tours to the United Kingdom. On a permanent basis the British and Irish charitable organizations render aid to the Belarusian children’s homes and kids from the Chernobyl regions. The British Embassy issues all of them gratis visas. Following the introduction of biometric visas in 2007, the Embassy and UK Border Agency developed a unique bespoken mobile pilot project. During the summer of 2008 their team made a series of successful visits to Mogilev and Gomel to collect biometric data from Chernobyl children, saving them a long journey to Minsk.

     “Chernobyl Children’s Project International” (CCPI) has been working in the Republic of Belarus since 1991. Adi Roche is its Founder and International Executive Director. Under her leadership this organization has delivered over 80 million Euro to the areas most affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and has brought over 19,000 children into Ireland on rest and recuperation. The organization is an international development, medical and humanitarian one that works with children and families who continue to be affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986. For her work with CCPI, Adi Roche was decorated with Francis Skaryna award. Besides, she is a co-author of a documentary film “Chernobyl Heart” which won Oscar prize in 2004. This organization is the main partner of the Belarusian Children’s Fund and the sponsor of the “Warm House” program. Under the condition of this program a family receives a cottage with furniture and house equipment.