Bulgaria and Macedonia to work together on the creation of a common Balkan tourism routes

A task group between Republic of Bulgaria and Republic of Macedonia will create a common Balkan tourism route. This was announced during the meeting of the Minister of Tourism, Nikolina Angelkova, with Kocho Angushev, Deputy Prime Minister of Macedonia for economic issues. They conversed following the joint government meeting held today in Strumitsa.

Minister Angelkova informed that the two-way tourist flow is very good and clarified that Macedonia s among the leading tourism markets for Bulgaria. During the January-September 2017 period more than 413 000 Macedonia nationals travelled to our country, registering a 5,8% growth compared to the same period of 2016. Thus, Macedonia ranks 6^th in terms of tourism-generating markets for Bulgaria, explained the Minister. Traditionally, Macedonian tourists come to our country to visit the Black Sea resorts but there is also solid interest in winter resorts, such as Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo, it became clear from her statement. You have friends in Macedonia and Bulgaria does have enough to show to its visitors, commented Angushev in turn.

As regards the upcoming winter season, Minister Angelkova indicated that we are expecting growth in tourist numbers, with Macedonia being among the major markets sending guests to our country. We have the desire to arrange a joint meeting of Bulgarian and Macedonian mayors of municipalities where our winter resorts are located, stated the Minister, further adding that it would also be good for bilateral discussions to be held between tour operators, who will help to the materialization of the Balkan tourism route. Minister Angelkova explained that innovations in the tourism sector are an important highlight in the Ministry’s work, with our country having been presented with a digital 3D printer during a professional exhibition in London. Bulgaria is also advertised by TV channels, such as CNN and Travel Channel, further stated the Minister.

It is also planned to hold Bulgaria days in Macedonia and Macedonia days in Bulgaria. Arrangement of a get-to-know tour is planned for Macedonian journalists and tour operators.