Their duties will also include, among others, "strengthening the country's positive international image."
The Ministry of Sport and Tourism in Minsk has published a regulation on professional and ethical requirements for licensed tourist guides, tour managers and translators working in this sector.
The document comes into force on July 11. These professional groups must be familiar with the "fundamentals of state ideology" contained in Alyaksandr Lukashenka's directive of April 9 of this year. They oblige employees to "introduce elements of ideological work in their professional activity." They should contribute to strengthening the country's positive international image by recognizing the uniqueness of the Belarusian model of social development.
In addition, guides, tour managers and translators are to "participate in caring for historical memory and national values" and "foster the growth of legal, political, personal culture and social responsibility of tourists and visitors"
The Belarusian editorial office of Belsat reminds that the first political requirements for tourism industry employees were introduced in Belarus after protests against the rigged elections in 2020. In July 2023, they were ordered to prevent provocations manifested in clothing and appearance. For example, they were ordered to ensure that the clothes of tourists and tourists industry employees were not white, red, and white, the national colors of Belarus, which are banned by the regime.
Employees dealing with travelers are also expected to strictly adhere to the tour schedule and stick to previously prepared texts addressed to tourists. It means that, for example, subjective assessments of Belarus cannot be made during the tour, but its image as an attractive country for tourists should be built. Employees are also expected to be careful and to catch "inappropriate, provocative or other negative statements or actions" so that they do not occur on the part of visitors. However, if they do occur, steps should be taken to prevent such behavior from happening again.
These restrictions were introduced even though the Belarusian authorities admit that there is already a shortage of tourist guides on some routes in the country.
Independent Belarusian journalist Halina Navumchyk believes the new regulations are another instrument to silence the nation.
,,-Previously, during an informal conversation, the guide could discuss issues such as the road or cheap potatoes. Now, any statement that potatoes are expensive or cheap can be assessed as discrediting the authorities, Navumchyk said.
In Belarus, for insulting representatives of the authorities, especially Alyaksandr Lukashenka, one can be sent to labor camps for many years or be subjected to mandatory psychiatric treatment.
Jakub Chrust, MaH/ en.belsat.eu based on own information
Translated by PEV
