Webinar “The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in the Development of Rural Tourism: A Case from Eastern Europe” organized by the “Global Agritourism Network”

Date: 14.01.2025

Place: Online Webinar

Event: Webinar “The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in the Development of Rural Tourism: A Case from Eastern Europe” organized by the “Global Agritourism Network”

Description: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in the development of agritourism and rural tourism worldwide. This webinar described and presented the processes of establishing a successful and influential rural tourism association in Belarus, which has helped thousands of members over a 20-year period. Through this case, we were informed about how the association contributed to the development of local communities, improved the economy, and supported sustainable tourism.

Special emphasis was placed on the creation of the first food and handicraft cluster in Belarus, which became an important element in the development of rural tourism. This cluster allowed local products to find their place in the market while promoting cultural heritage and traditional crafts. Additionally, great attention was given to women’s entrepreneurship and its significance in the development of rural areas, where women are often at the forefront of innovation and development initiatives. The development of cross-border routes with Latvia and Lithuania was also an important step in promoting culinary and craft heritage. These routes not only enhanced the tourism offer of the region but also facilitated cooperation between different countries, opening new opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange.

This webinar provided information on examples and research on how NGOs can be drivers of change in rural areas, contributing to the development of sustainable tourism that benefits local communities as well as tourists seeking authentic and unique experiences.

The event was attended by a member of the project team, Asst. Prof. Zoran Brljak, with the aim of gaining insights from the experiences and research of experts on this topic, and he provided valuable information and examples of best practices.