The tourism and hospitality industries are rapidly developing today, attracting millions of people worldwide. For this industry to function effectively, highly qualified specialists are essential. Belarusian State University, whose Department of International Tourism and Hospitality is a leading institution, occupies a leading position among them.
The department was founded on October 5, 1998, within the Faculty of International Relations. Currently, over 300 students are enrolled in the department's four years of study, including master's and doctoral programs. Two doctors of science and six candidates of science teach at the department. Along with Belarusian students, students from neighboring and non-Belarusian countries (including the CIS, China, Vietnam, Nigeria, Iran, and Greece) undergo theoretical and practical training. During the department's establishment and development, two doctoral theses, three candidate theses, and a master's theses have been defended. The department is headed by candidate of historical sciences, associate professor I. M. Avlasenko. Receiving a modern economic education and language training (graduates are awarded the professional qualification of "Manager and Economist"), graduates of the department actively apply their acquired knowledge in production activities at tourism enterprises, structures supporting foreign economic activity, and in banking. Over 40 courses are taught to students of the Department of International Tourism and Hospitality. In addition to standard lectures and seminars, the educational process includes educational excursions, master classes, and course projects. These forms of work with students allow them to broaden their horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the specifics of the development of the global and national tourism industry. Students of the department undergo educational and practical training at leading travel agencies in the country: Top-Tour, Alatan-Tour, Smok-Travel, Sakub, and Tucson-Voyage; the Ministry of Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus; and the National Tourism Agency.

Currently, the department collaborates with various educational institutions. Faculty The department conducts research on the development of inclusive, event-based tourism, and agroecotourism within the framework of the "Tourism and Regional Development" school.

The department actively participated in the development of the National Tourism Development Programs for 2001-2005, 2006-2010, and the State Program for 2010-2015 and 2015-2020.

Undergraduates, master's degree students, and postgraduate students actively participate in research, many of whom have won national scientific competitions and grants and have been nominated for scholarships from the President of the Republic of Belarus, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus, and F. Skaryna.

The department was the first in the country to begin training (as part of a specialization) specialists in agroecotourism.

Today, the Department of International Tourism and Hospitality is a highly professional and rapidly developing educational and research unit of the Faculty of International Relations. BSU.