Minister Angelkova: Over 19 000 Russian tourists have chosen Bulgaria for their winter vacation in two months

Over 19 000 Russian tourists visited Bulgaria in December and January of the current winter season, registering a 1,3% growth compared to the same period of last year. Thus saidthe Minister of Tourism, Nikolina Angelkova,during a meeting with Mikhail Maltsev, Executive Director of the Ural Tourism Association, adding that Russia is traditionally one of the main tourism partners of our country.

During the meeting the two discussed the expansion of opportunities for the Russian users to make use health packages in our country or corporate vacations of Russian institutions and companies. One of the highlights were the way to promote on the Russian market typically Bulgarian medicinal and convalescence practices and unique methods and procedures not encountered elsewhere. A good starting point for this are the unique qualities of mineral water and medical clay in Bulgaria. Minister Angelkovastated that there are over 600 mineral springs with various characteristics in the country, which are suitable for treatment of many of the most common diseases.

Presently, Ministry experts and representatives of businesses are developing spa destinations, which will help promote the opportunities for convalescence tourism in Bulgaria, said the Minister, explaining that the destinations are 7 and span the entire country. They provide information about the general characteristics and qualities of water in a given area, about the climate and tourism attractions. She invited her interlocutor to visit Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Black Sea coast during summer.

Mikhail Maltsev indicated that he is welcoming the Ministry’s efforts to set up a specialized tourism product, which would be helpful to Russian guests, adding that the Association will support any good idea, which supports the development of tourism in both countries. „I am hopeful that going forward thecooperation between the Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism and the Ural Tourism Association will deepen and develop“, noted Mr. Maltsev.