Meeting of Minister Baltova with Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization

At a meeting with Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, Minister Baltova noted that the World Tourism Organization is an extremely important partner for Bulgaria. "We strive to maintain and strengthen our useful cooperation and welcome the leading role of the Organization for Reconstruction in the tourism industry after the pandemic with COVID-19, illustrated by the new initiatives and projects," said Minister Baltova.

At the meeting, the two discussed the possibilities for cooperation, among which emphasis was placed on the importance and great potential of digital joint marketing initiatives. Minister Baltova noted that the Ministry of Tourism aims to stimulate the digitalization of tourism and to create an ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, which will increase the sector's potential in terms of economic growth, job creation and sustainable development. That is why Bulgaria would like to explore the possibility of establishing a National start-up hub in tourism in cooperation with the WTO. "In this regard, we would like to consider the possibility of financial assistance from the World Tourism Organization in developing a national strategy for innovation, digital transformation and investment to build a more sustainable tourism sector," said Minister Baltova.

She stated interest and readiness for Bulgaria to participate in the second stage of the package to support the recovery of tourism from the WTO and to implement joint projects, both with the organization and with other member states.

Minister Baltova took the opportunity to personally congratulate Mr. Pololikashvili on his impressive achievements during his first term as head of the organization, recalling their conversation during his election campaign in Berlin in 2017, where the two met for the first time and discussed future joint initiatives.