Minister Angelkova: Bulgaria may play a leading role in the promotion of tourism in the Black Sea region

12 February 2018

OBSEC nominated the Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism for a second term as coordinator of the Tourism Cooperation task group

 

Bulgaria may play a leading role in the promotion of tourism in the Black Sea region. We have the idea to put the focus on the wine- and gourmet tourism, which are among the priority products for development for the Ministry of Tourism. The topic is due to be discussed at a meeting of the Tourism Cooperation task group of the Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (OBSEC), which is now being chaired by Bulgaria. Thus said the Minister of Tourism, Nikolina Angelkova, during a meeting with Michael Christides, Secretary-General of OBSEC. She noted further that focus on the sector’s development in the region would thus be strengthened further. Collaborative aid in tourism with the other OBSEC member-states is crucial for us, Minister Angelkova commented further.

The Minister thanked Mr. Christides for his involvement in the Tourism and Economic Growth summit meeting of the ministers of tourism, a level A event in the calendar of Bulgaria’s presidency of the EU Council. This year we are paying special attention to the 2018 EU – China Tourism Year initiative, explained Minister Angelkova, clarifying that it was the reason why the topic is a major focus for the ministerial council, which is due for tomorrow. Bulgaria has an exceptionally beneficial cooperation with China and is actively involved with various projects on the famous Silk Road route, the Minister informed further.

The two also discussed the progress in the setting up of a meeting of the ministers responsible for tourism in the OBSEC member-states. The event is also part of the calendar of our presidency of the EU Council and is also a highest category event. It is scheduled to be held in June in Varna. The Ministry of Tourism will report there on the work done during the period of its coordination of the tourism task group in OBSEC, which started in July 2016 and is due to conclude in June this year.

The Secretary-General of OBSEC asked the Ministry of Tourism to consider the option of taking on a second term as coordinator of the Tourism Cooperation task group for a further two-year tenure. Christides stated further that he rates highly the institution’s good work in both leading the group and contributing to the progress of tourism in Bulgaria and the Black Sea region. He highlighted cruise tourism in the Black Sea region, explaining that action should be taken to develop it.

Minister Angelkova invited Michael Christides to participate in the second edition of the International Congress on World Civilizations and Ancient Routes. It is jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism and the UN World Tourism Organization and is due to be held in Sofia in November. The link between economy and tourism will be the event’s major highlight.

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