Giro d’Italia showcased Bulgaria to the world, highlighting its beauty, energy, and spirit

Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov thanked the organizers, institutions, municipalities, businesses, and the thousands of people along the route for the successful hosting

Bulgaria successfully hosted the first three stages of the 2026 Giro d’Italia—Grande Partenza Bulgaria—which passed through Nessebar, Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, and Sofia. Over the course of approximately 550 kilometers on Bulgarian soil, our country was in the spotlight of one of the world’s largest sporting events and reached millions of viewers through the race’s international television and digital coverage. After the conclusion of the Bulgarian stages, Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov emphasized that the Giro d’Italia had put Bulgaria on the world stage and shown our country to the world just as we know it—inspiring, full of energy and spirit.

“The 550 kilometers across Bulgarian soil showcased our country to millions of people around the world just as we know it—inspiring and full of energy and spirit,” Minister Dimitrov said. He thanked all the institutions, municipalities, organizers, business representatives, and teams who worked to ensure the event’s success, noting that the result clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when the state, local authorities, and the private sector work together.

The Minister also extended special thanks to the Bulgarian public—the thousands of people lining the streets of Burgas, Nessebar, Sofia, and along the entire route—who welcomed the riders with enthusiasm and turned the Giro d’Italia’s passage through Bulgaria into a true celebration of sports. “I am convinced that after these days, millions of people around the world will remember not only the Giro d’Italia, but also our country—with its beauty, spirit, and heart. Come visit Bulgaria,” Dr. Ilin Dimitrov added.

The Bulgarian hosting effort—which involved institutions, municipalities, the business community, and teams from the Ministry of Tourism—was also highly praised by Giro d’Italia Executive Director Paolo Bellino. He described this year’s start as “one of the most fantastic starts to the Giro d’Italia” and singled out the Bulgarian crowd for special praise. “Your country is making a name for itself around the world. The enthusiasm is so great that we didn’t expect it. The atmosphere is one of the best we’ve ever experienced. Everything was absolutely perfect,” Bellino said.