Minister Ilin Dimitrov: From now on, we will manage tourism with data, not emotions

With the establishment of the Association of Higher Education Institutions, the creation of the National Observatory and the Alley of International Tourism, Bulgaria celebrated World Tourism Day in Varna

An association of higher education institutions training staff for the tourism sector was established in Varna on World Tourism Day, September 27. It marks the beginning of closer cooperation between the academic community, the business sector and the state. “Quality in tourism begins with a high-quality education and with motivated and professionally fulfilled people who create the tourism offering. The establishment of the Association is a continuation of our efforts to build a stronger link between higher education institutions and the sector’s actual needs,” Minister of Tourism Dr Ilin Dimitrov said.

This year, the theme of the event is ‘The Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Tourism’, and the programme featured 17 vice-chancellors and representatives of higher education institutions, as well as ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps. The association will work for a more active exchange of knowledge and good practices, mobility of students and teachers, joint educational and scientific projects, and closer interaction between universities and the tourism business.

The participants were joined by video addresses on the occasion of World Tourism Day and the establishment of the Association by the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Cordula Wohlmuther from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), and Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krasimir Alexandrov was elected Chairman of the Association. He emphasized that the association brings together higher education institutions, businesses and public authorities and should create conditions for the exchange of knowledge, experience and scientific solutions with a focus on quality in tourism. “From now on, there will be a double celebration for everyone involved in tourism. We are bringing together representatives from higher education institutions, the business sector and public authorities, and it is precisely through open communication and the application of scientific achievements that we can work towards improving quality,” Assoc. Prof. Dr Krasimir Alexandrov said.

Minister Dimitrov also announced the creation of a National Observatory for the Quality and Sustainability of the Tourism Product. It will collect and analyze real data on processes in the sector, including feedback from tourists via QR codes at tourist sites. "The information will allow us to track the development of the tourism offering both at the national and regional levels, and to see where there is progress or where improvements are needed," the minister emphasized.

On the occasion of World Tourism Day in the Sea Garden of Varna, representatives of the diplomatic corps, the academic community and the founding countries of the Association planted over 20 silver-leafed linden trees and marked the beginning of the Alley of International Tourism. The idea is for the alley to grow over the years and for more participants to join the initiative.