Minister Prodanov took part in the “Informal Meeting of EU Tourism Ministers” in Dijon, France

Minister of Tourism Hristo Prodanov participated in the “Informal Meeting of EU Ministers of Tourism”, held on 17 and 18 March in Dijon, France.

Minister Prodanov discussed with his European counterparts the future of tourism in Europe and making Europe a leading global destination for sustainable tourism within the working session “Tourism for Europeans in Europe”. 

 The Bulgarian position shared at the forum supports the inclusion of a wider range of social groups of tourism service users. There are also tourism niches with untapped potential such as cultural and historical tourism. Its development will enable European tourists to get to know the history, traditions, way of life and customs of Europe better. Our country is ready to partner with other EU Member States in developing and promoting tourism packages and routes based on similarities between countries. 

Minister Prodanov also paid special attention to the introduction of innovations and increasing the speed of business processes in Europe. He focused on goals and guidelines for the digitization of the industry by 2030 - one of the goals is to have three quarters of tourism offers online and by means of digital applications.

The meeting also addressed messages on the need to ensure the safety of tourists and travellers, putting the tourism sector in the focus of the sustainable economic development of EU countries and supporting it. An important prerequisite for the successful functioning of the sector and its recovery from the negative effects of the pandemic is the promotion of destinations within the continent less known to European tourists.  The need to adapt tourism to the new realities after the crisis and to reopen it among the countries in Europe was emphasized.  It was suggested to look for untapped niches for the development of cultural, ecological tourism and active presentation of the historical values and monuments of the old continent. 

The staffing of the sector was also more actively discussed. Tourism professionals should have the ability to adapt and respond to the current expectations and needs of tourists seeking a modern and attractive tourism product. The process of human resource development should be closely integrated with the support of small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector. They underpin the competitiveness of the tourism offer.

Participants from EU member states united in the message to work together for the development of tourism in Europe and the document “Tourism Transition Pathway” will outline its current guidelines and policies.