Minister Angelkova: A task group will prepare tourism cooperation measures between Bulgaria and Montenegro

The Minister of Tourism, Nikolina Angelkova, met Pavle Radulovic, Montenegro’s Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism. The two conversed on the eve of the summit level Tourism and Economic Growth ministerial meeting of tourism ministers of EU member states, which forms part of the calendar of Bulgaria’s presidency of the EU Council.

Following on the bilateral agreement from June 2016 between Bulgaria and Montenegro, Minister Angelkova proposed the setting up of a task group between the two countries to outline development and cooperation measures in tourism. Actions for the better presentation of the cultural-historical traditions will be discussed, as well as facilitation of the procedures for exchange of tourists between Bulgaria and Montenegro.

Tourism has an important contribution to the Bulgarian economy. Revenues in the sector stood at BGN 6.6 bil. in 2017, with the sector’s share in the GDP being nearly 13%, noted Minister Angelkova. She informed the guest about the recently created Map of Investment Projects, which is intensively promoted by the Ministry of Tourism to international investors. Our main goal is to transform the country into a year-round tourism destination, marketing a high-grade, competitive product, added Minister Angelkova.

6 619 guests from Montenegro visited our country in 2017. Compared to 2016, the growth is over 16%. The two ministers agreed to exchange experience in tourism. Montenegro will share its practices for attracting international investment in the sector, while Bulgaria will in turn inform Montenegro about its success in developing winter tourism.

Minister Angelkova showcased to her counterpart the opportunity to promote our country due to Bulgaria’s presidency of the EU Council. She explained that this is exceptionally important for tourism. We will demonstrate that Bulgaria is a secure destination offering a high-grade, diverse product, stated the Bulgarian minister.