Belarus And Oman Set To Revolutionize Their Bilateral Ties With Vibrant Tourism Cluster, Travel Facilities And Medical Exchanges

Published on October 13, 2025

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko announced ambitious plans for developing a tourism cluster in Oman, marking a significant step in strengthening the tourism ties between the two countries. This initiative includes the allocation of a land plot by Oman to create a dedicated Belarusian tourism cluster. This cluster aims to provide an alternative travel destination for Belarusian tourists beyond the already popular Turkish and UAE routes, capitalizing on Oman’s appeal as a coastal destination by the ocean.

The proximity of Oman, just about an hour longer flight from Belarus compared to travel to the UAE, highlights the ease of access and the strategic advantage for the proposed tourism development. The project is envisioned as a gateway for Belarusian people to visit a new vibrant tourism destination, encouraging increased movement and interaction between both nations. This move is supported strongly by the Belarusian presidency, emphasizing open doors and invitation for participation in establishing this cluster.

Growing Tourism Exchange and Eased Travel Regulations

The tourism cluster initiative between Belarus and Oman is supported by several measures aimed at enhancing mutual travel convenience. Both countries have eased visa requirements and established direct air routes to facilitate easier movement for tourists and business travelers alike. Since the launch of direct flights in February 2025, over 1,700 Belarusian visitors have journeyed to Oman, laying a solid foundation for expanding bilateral tourism exchanges.

Continuing negotiations focus on further visa waivers for ordinary passport holders, which are expected to strengthen ties and increase the number of tourists traveling between the two nations. Beyond leisure tourism, medical tourism has emerged as a promising sector, underscored by a recent visit of Oman’s Minister of Health to Belarus. This visit highlighted the growing potential for medical service collaboration, alongside educational exchanges and cultural interaction, broadening the scope of the tourism sector. Such comprehensive development efforts are designed to diversify tourism in both countries while deepening bilateral cooperation across multiple dimensions, ultimately creating a more integrated and resilient tourism ecosystem.

Strategic Importance of the Tourism Cluster for Bilateral and Regional Cooperation

The creation of the tourism cluster fits within a broader context of enhancing trade, cultural ties, and mutual investment. The cluster is not only expected to boost tourism but is also part of a broader joint roadmap for cooperation involving food security, logistics, transport, and investment sectors. Belarus views Oman as a dynamic partner willing to extend access to ports and industrial capacity, including ventures in potash fertilizers and pulp and paper manufacturing.

The tourism cluster is envisioned as a long-term project that aligns with Oman’s strategic vision and Belarus’s goals to diversify its international partnerships. It serves to increase people-to-people contact, strengthening socio-economic exchanges and contributing to regional stability through enhanced ties. The Belarusian side is keen on the project progressing swiftly, reflecting a commitment to an open and collaborative bilateral relationship.

Prospects and Wider Economic Implications of Tourism Development

The tourism cluster development project extends beyond simple visitor numbers; it is a cornerstone for deeper economic engagement. The state-level backing emphasizes the utilization of emerging opportunities by Belarus and Oman to develop joint enterprises and infrastructure that can support sustained tourism growth. This includes investments in facilities, marketing, and services that will make the cluster an attractive destination for tourists.

Furthermore, this cluster is to be part of a broader Belarusian presence in Oman, including industrial hubs and business promotion centers that support Belarusian products in Oman and adjacent regions like the Persian Gulf and East Africa. Thus, the tourism initiative is expected to generate synergistic effects, boosting local employment, supporting related sectors, and reinforcing diplomatic ties.

Enhancing Cultural and Educational Exchanges through Tourism

Tourism development has been carefully designed to foster and deepen cultural and educational collaboration between Belarus and Oman. With travel made easier and increasing visitor numbers, the stage is set for the expansion of cultural events, educational programs, and sports exchanges, all contributing to a richer mutual understanding and stronger cooperation between the two nations.

Such exchanges are not only encouraged but actively supported at the highest levels, with personal engagement from senior Omani officials including the Crown Prince and the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth. This high-level backing underscores the importance placed on creating enduring connections that go beyond tourism, weaving together the cultural fabrics of both countries.

Overall, the tourism cluster represents a multidimensional initiative that leverages tourism as a powerful vehicle for deeper, multifaceted engagement between Belarus and Oman. This project is expected to facilitate people-to-people contacts in a way that enhances economic development while simultaneously advancing cultural and educational objectives.

By intertwining tourism growth with cultural enrichment and educational cooperation, the cluster helps establish a comprehensive framework for sustainable bilateral ties, making it a cornerstone of the broader strategic partnership. The effort reflects a forward-looking vision that views tourism as not merely a sector but a dynamic platform for fostering lasting ties and joint prosperity.