Minister Angelkova: Bulgaria is an increasingly sought destination for the clients of the Thomas Cook Group

The number of tourists visiting Bulgaria with Thomas Cook, one of the leading global companies for tourist trips and holidays, is expected to reach 400,000 people by the end of this season, which is 16.5% growth compared to last year. This was said by Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova in a working meeting with Peter Fankhauser, CEO of Thomas Cook Group, mayors and representatives of the tourist industry. The data is from accomplished trips and bookings until September based on the market position and large market shares in recent years in the whole group of the leading global company for tourist recreation and holiday.

“You know that since the beginning of its mandate the government has worked firmly to make our marketing and advertising policies future-oriented and more effective. Earlier today together with the Prime Minister Boyko Borisov we had a working meeting with Mr. Fankhauser. We are united around the idea that the Bulgarian government could match the intent of the Thomas Cook Group to invest in high-category hotels in temrs of attracting a higher-class tourists. This way we jointly give new incentives for the implementation of real corporate responsibility, which brings us to our common goal - Bulgaria should become a better and promising destination for business and investments," said Minister Angelkova. It became clear from her words that only through adequate cooperation and synchronous actions between the business and the government institutions in our country, we can become more competitive.

The CEO of Thomas Cook Group presented the priorities ahead of our country. “In the season 2017 Thomas Cook carry out 13 weekly flights from the UK to Burgas, which will increase to 14 in 2018. Next year Varna will be a new destination for the UK tourists with 2 flights per week”, said Fankhauser. He also stated that Condor, the German airline company of Thomas Cook, had 5 flights a week from Germany to Burgas and 2 flights to Varna in the summer season of 2017. “Depending on the booked seats, Condor may increase the flights to 9 per week to each of the destinations of the various German airports”, he added.

Peter Fankhauser has been the Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Cook Group since 2014. He was born in November 1960 in Switzerland. He graduated from the university in Saint Gallen and has a Ph.D. Since March 2001 he has worked for Thomas Cook and prior to take over the management of the concern, he managed a subsidiary in charge of Neckermann Reisen, Bucher Last minute and the air carrier Condor.