Minister Angelkova talked in London with Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization

The Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova held a working meeting with Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization (WTO).  They discussed topical issues for the sector at the biggest international show for professionals in tourist industry, the World Travel Market in London.

The focus in the talks was the upcoming second joint event with the organization in Bulgaria – the WTO International Congress of World Civilisations and Ancient Routes. It will be held in Bulgaria in the period 14-16 November next year. “2018 is the European year of cultural heritage, which makes relevant the focus we want to place on cultural and historic tourism”, Minister Angelkova said. “We hope that all ministers of tourism of the countries which are members of WTO will be present and for moderator of the congress we invited the famous CNN anchor Richard Quest”, Minister Angelkova said to Taleb Rifai.

In addition, she talked with the WTO Secretary General about the development of domestic tourism in Bulgaria. “For us it is extremely important to encourage and promote this type of tourism.  Our active work yields positive outcomes both in domestic tourism and in terms of guests from other countries”, Minister Angelkova said and supported her statements with official statistical data.  Until September this year the total number of visits by foreign tourists to Bulgaria is 7 492 630. This is an increase of some 8 per cent on the same period last year.  In high season summer months from June to September over 5.3 million foreign tourists visited our country. The increase is 5.7%, Minister Angelkova added and stated that the Ministry of Tourism has been already actively preparing the next summer season and 5-star hotels are already booked for summer 2018. “We are conducting negotiations with global tour operators including TUI, Thomas Cook, and DER Touristik to have a good basis for the next summer season”, Minister Angelkova added and noted that according to data of the Bulgarian National Bank, revenues from international tourism for the first 8 months amount to BGN 5.2 billion.