Dr. Ilin Dimitrov took over as head of the Ministry of Tourism from Irena Georgieva

Dr. Ilin Dimitrov took over the position of Minister of Tourism from Irena Georgieva. The two discussed the ministry’s main priorities, preparations for the upcoming summer tourist season, dialogue with the tourism industry and local governments, as well as the need for consistency and sustainability in implementing key policies and projects in support of the sector. The conversation took place in a spirit of continuity and professional understanding of the institution’s work and the challenges facing tourism.

Irena Georgieva wished the new minister success and emphasized the importance of sustainability and an expert approach to managing the sector. She noted that the Ministry of Tourism has accumulated institutional experience that should be built upon. “Tourism is a sector in which results are achieved through constant dialogue and good coordination between the government, the business community, local authorities, and professional organizations. I am convinced that a thorough understanding of the system and my accumulated management experience will serve as an important foundation for continuing the policies that have been initiated,” Irena Georgieva stated.

Dr. Ilin Dimitrov expressed his gratitude for the constructive dialogue and emphasized that he is taking the helm of the ministry with a clear understanding of the current processes and priorities facing the sector. “The Ministry of Tourism is an institution whose work I know well, both from my previous term as minister and from my work with the industry and the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism. This will ensure the necessary continuity so that work on issues important to the sector can continue without delay,” he said.

Dr. Ilin Dimitrov has many years of experience in the fields of tourism, public administration, and academia. From 2022 to 2023, he served as Minister of Tourism in two caretaker governments; prior to that, he was a member of the 47th National Assembly and chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism. His professional career also includes serving as chairman of the Varna Chamber of Tourism from 2020 to 2022.

Dimitrov graduated from the College of Tourism in Varna, the Higher School of Management, and the D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics in Svishtov, with specializations in marketing, management, business administration, and corporate controlling. He earned his Ph.D. in tourism from the University of Economics in Varna. From 2023 to 2026, he served as Secretary for Tourism, Culture, Spirituality, and Education to President Rumen Radev.