Minister Angelkova: We will work with India to enhance tourist inflow and attract investments

We will work to promote the opportunities offered by Bulgarian tourism in India in order to increase the number of Indian tourists in our country. This was stated by Minister of Tourism, Nikolina Angelkova, who held a work meeting with HE, Pooja Kapur, ambassador of India in Bulgaria. The Minister indicated that the Bulgaria promotion activities need a boost. We want to present in India the opportunities for cultural-historical, medical and spa tourism in our country, explained Minister Angelkova. She and Ambassador Kapur also discussed the development potential of film-related tourism in our country. Many Bollywood films with excellent price performance have been shot in Bulgaria. It is a very beneficial undertaking, which positively affects the country’s image and promotion, it needs to continue developing, commented HE Ms. Pooja Kapur.

Minister Angelkova also noted our country’s potential to attract investments. Low tax rates are one of Bulgaria’s advantages.

HE Ms. Pooja Kapur stated that ways to promote travel of Bulgarians to India should be sought. She indicated that some 25 million of Indian tourists travel abroad annually, with nearly half going to European countries.

The opportunity to hold Bulgaria days in India and India days in Bulgaria is being contemplated, it was made clear during the meeting. Arrangements are being made for a get-to-know tour of Indian journalists and business representatives.

Minister Angelkova invited her Indian counterpart to participate in the second Congress on World Civilizations, which will be held in November 2018 in Sofia. The Minister also presented the ministry initiatives during Bulgaria’s presidency of the EU Council, the first major event being the ministry-level meeting scheduled for February 2018.

India is among the leading 50 tourism markets for Bulgaria. During the January-October 2017 period 10 000 more Indians visited our country, a nearly 20 per cent growth compared to the same period of last year. In 2016 their visits stood at 9 900, thus growing by 28% compared to a year before.