Minister Angelkova held a working meeting with George Kremlis, head of Integration and Environmental Impact Assessments unit in the EC

The Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova met with George Kremlis, head of Integration and Environmental Impact Assessments unit in DG Environment of the European Commission. They discussed the development of Bulgarian tourism.

The main goal of the Ministry of Tourism is to make our country a year-round sustainable tourist destination and to be among the top 5 countries in the sector in South Eastern Europe, Minister Angelkova emphasized during the talks.

In her words, the Ministry of Tourism has focused its efforts on attracting investments in the tourism industry, which are key for the development of this structurally important sector of our economy.

Bulgaria has many and diverse natural and cultural and historical resources which make it a competitive participant on the market not only in the region, the Minister of Tourism stated. The country is popular as an attractive place for sea and ski vacations and for active rest in the mountain.

Nikolina Angelkova made it clear that this potential could not be developed without preserving nature. She added that green mountain tourism combined ever more successfully with balneological, spa and wellness services as part of general or profiled packages. It became clear at the meeting that Bulgaria was second in Europe by richness and diversity of mineral springs and offered such services at very attractive prices.

Nikolina Angelkova and George Kremlis were unanimous that the progress of modern tourism and its future are not possible without caring for the environment and without making efficient use of the natural sources. Minister Angelkova highlighted the importance of eco and rural tourism as contemporary specialized forms of the sector in the country. They cannot develop successfully if not in harmony with nature and the natural setup of tourist sites. In this regard, Bulgaria is strictly observing the European legislation and international norms.

George Kremlis welcomed the measures taken by the Bulgarian tourism administration for making Bulgaria a year-round destination and assured Minister Angelkova that European structures would continue promoting the commitments undertaken for a sustainable development of the sector.