Published on
January 8, 2026
Minsk Tractor Works is among the global leaders in the agricultural machinery industry; in 2025, the number of foreign tourists has increased by 80% as compared with the previous year. More than 8,000 people visited the MTZ industrial tourism program. According to the corporate edition of MTZ, this is considered growth, and the company’s experts attribute this phenomenon to the growing interest taken internationally in the facilities and history of this company.
The industrial tourism initiative, started back in 2017, had been keeping momentum, as more and more people wanted to take a close look at MTZ’s rich heritage regarding agricultural machinery production and technological advancements. In 2025, the company was visited by citizens of a wide circle of countries, which demonstrates the growing interest of the world community in the operation of MTZ.
Leading Countries of Origin for Visitors
According to Sergei Sidorovich, who heads the MTZ museum and Industrial Centre of Labour Glory, the leading countries of origin for foreign tourists in 2025 were Russia, Uzbekistan, and China, with Latvia and Germany topping the list among EU nations. Remarkably, the number of Russian visitors to MTZ doubled compared to the previous year, a trend that underscores increased interest in Belarus’ industrial tourism offerings. Additionally, for the first time, MTZ welcomed tourists from the Sultanate of Oman, further expanding the diversity of its international audience.
This expansion reflects MTZ’s ongoing effort to develop its industrial tourism program, offering insights into the company’s technological innovations, historic milestones, and production processes. By attracting tourists from both near and far, MTZ is solidifying its position as a prominent destination for industrial heritage tourism.
A Growing Global Interest in Industrial Tourism
Since launching its industrial tourism initiative, Minsk Tractor Works has hosted visitors from 81 countries around the world, making it one of the most prominent destinations for industrial tourism in Eastern Europe. In 2025, MTZ welcomed over 23,000 visitors, marking a staggering 122% increase from the previous year. This surge reflects a broader global trend, where tourists are increasingly drawn to experiences that showcase industrial heritage, manufacturing processes, and technological advancements.
Industrial tourism is becoming a key part of the tourism sector in countries with rich manufacturing histories. In addition to MTZ’s operations, Belarus has a growing interest in industrial tourism as a way to both showcase the country’s technological heritage and support its economy by attracting international visitors to the country’s historical and industrial landmarks.
The Impact of Industrial Tourism on Local Economies
The increasing number of tourists visiting Minsk Tractor Works is contributing to both the company’s global recognition and the local economy. As more people travel to Belarus specifically to visit MTZ, the company is supporting local tourism through various tourist-related activities, including cultural exhibitions, educational programs, and guided tours of the factory.
The rise in foreign visitors also has a significant economic impact, as it encourages tourists to spend money on local accommodations, dining, and other tourism-related services, thereby supporting small businesses in the area. Moreover, this increase in industrial tourism is helping MTZ strengthen its international presence, allowing the company to showcase its role in the global agricultural machinery industry and increasing its appeal as a key player in the global market.
Future Tourism Growth in Belarus and the Broader Region
Looking ahead, the success of MTZ’s industrial tourism program is expected to have a long-term impact on the tourism sector in Belarus and the broader Eastern European region. As industrial tourism gains more traction, countries with rich manufacturing histories, such as Belarus, are likely to see more international tourists drawn to industrial heritage sites. This trend is set to continue as travelers seek authentic, educational, and immersive experiences that offer deeper connections to the technological milestones that have shaped modern economies.
MTZ’s growth as a key industrial tourism destination could inspire other countries in Eastern Europe to develop similar programs, tapping into the global tourism market. As demand for industrial tourism rises, Belarus stands to benefit from increased visitor numbers, helping to diversify the country’s tourism offerings and contribute to the local economy.
Furthermore, the success of industrial tourism in Belarus will likely contribute to the country’s overall tourism development. By promoting both historical and modern industrial sites, the nation can attract a broader range of visitors interested in learning about its technological heritage, manufacturing excellence, and economic development.
The Future of Industrial Tourism: Expansion Across Eastern Europe
The rise of industrial tourism in Belarus is part of a larger regional trend in Eastern Europe, where countries with deep industrial roots are increasingly recognizing the potential of this niche tourism segment. In the coming years, we can expect to see more industrial sites and manufacturing hubs opening their doors to the public, offering insight into the region’s economic past and present.
This growing trend is set to create more opportunities for collaboration between tourism organizations, local governments, and industrial companies, helping to promote sustainable tourism and preserve industrial heritage while generating economic benefits. As industrial tourism expands, Minsk Tractor Works will remain at the forefront of this growing movement, strengthening its role in the global tourism and industrial heritage sectors.
Minsk Tractor Works Growing Role in Global Tourism
Interest in the industrial heritage and technological achievements of Minsk Tractor Works, reflected in the continued success of its industrial tourism program, is growing worldwide. With more and more people arriving to get acquainted with the operations and tradition of this company, MTZ is well on the way to being recognized as one of the main destinations for industrial tourism. Such expansion will not only raise MTZ’s international reputation but also influence the general development of tourism in Belarus and within the Eastern European region in general. In a nutshell, the future looks bright for industrial tourism, and what is happening at MTZ will assure continued growth in this important tourism segment.
