Minister Ilin Dimitrov brings together the business community and institutions in a Council for Tourism Reforms

Issues with visas, connectivity, and staffing will be addressed in collaboration with the sector

Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov announced the creation of a Council for Tourism Reforms, which will bring together the state, municipalities, the tourism industry, and the institutions on which the development of the tourism sector depends. He made this statement during meetings in Varna and the Golden Sands resort with representatives of local authorities, regulatory bodies, the airport operator, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and tour operators. Also participating in the discussions were Mario Smarkov, the regional governor of Varna, and Abil Abil, the deputy regional governor of Dobrich. Smarkov pointed out that there are ways to effectively counteract activities that threaten the environment, and that the institutions are ready to work in a coordinated manner to ensure the season proceeds smoothly. According to the Minister, tourism is a cross-cutting sector linked to the work of more than 11 ministries, which is why the role of the Ministry of Tourism must be not only administrative but also coordinating. “The Reform Council will not be a new layer of bureaucracy. It should be the place where problems are openly discussed and solutions are sought together with the business community and institutions. Our task is to serve as a mediator and driving force behind these changes,” Dr. Dimitrov stated.

The Minister said that the new team is taking over a ministry with reduced administrative capacity, limited resources, and delayed procedures, and that the visa issue is part of this difficult legacy and remains one of the main obstacles to attracting tourists from key markets, including Turkey. Minister Dimitrov stated that a meeting at the deputy minister level will be held to determine where the breakdown in communication between the various institutions occurs and how the process can be accelerated. “The visa issues are not new and cannot be resolved with a single letter. We need to identify exactly where the system breaks down and create a working mechanism. If necessary, the Ministry of Tourism will seek ways to facilitate the secondment of additional staff where needed,” he noted.

At the meeting with industry representatives in Golden Sands, topics such as connectivity, charter programs, and the risk of a decline in the German market following the bankruptcy of “Electra” were also discussed. Business representatives raised the issue of the need for a fund and a sustainable mechanism to support flights, so that Bulgaria does not lose capacity in key markets and can plan for the 2027 season earlier. Minister Dimitrov stated that he had already invited representatives of the four airports, as well as mayors and deputy mayors, to Sofia to seek a common approach between the state, local authorities, and the business community.

During the discussions, the Northern Black Sea Coast’s readiness for the summer season was confirmed, with the relevant institutions reporting on inspections carried out, the preparedness of regulatory authorities, and security measures. In Varna, ongoing coordination with the Ministry of the Interior was noted, including the expected participation of police officers from Germany, Romania, and Poland during the peak summer months. The regional health inspectorates in Varna and Dobrich noted that seawater quality is monitored regularly, and the results show improvement and very good conditions. Minister Dimitrov suggested that this information be presented more clearly through an interactive map showing seawater quality, as this sends a strong message to tourists and foreign markets.