Minister Prodanov: We aim to make tourism a leading economic sector in Bulgaria

The Minister of Tourism Hristo Prodanov invited his colleague Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, to visit Bulgaria and get acquainted with its opportunities for diverse recreation and entertainment on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, winter ski resorts, cultural and historical heritage, balneo- and spa tourism at a meeting with H.E. Khalil Kamal Fakih, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bulgaria.

Tourism in Bulgaria is developing rapidly and among our priorities is to continue to develop and upgrade bilateral cooperation with Saudi Arabia, said Minister Prodanov. Bulgaria provides excellent conditions for balneo-spa and rehabilitation tourism, and nature has given our country a great asset - natural mineral springs.  

Minister Prodanov said that the expected opening of the first regular Sofia-Riyadh airline, which will later be upgraded with air flights from other cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will contribute greatly to accelerating the ties between the two countries.

H.E. Khalil Kamal Fakih shared with the Bulgarian Minister that there is a serious business interest expressed by Saudi Arabia for investments in domestic tourism. He added that he has very good impressions of Bulgaria and sees great potential in the tourism sector. The Tourism Act entitles the Bulgarian Minister of Tourism to support the activity of attracting investments, and it also assists in the implementation of projects for sustainable and balanced development of tourism at national, regional and local level, including the construction and development of the infrastructure related to tourism, stressed Minister Prodanov.

The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia proposed a Cooperation Agreement to be prepared and signed in the field of balneo and spa tourism between the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

An important issue discussed at the meeting was the facilitation of visa issuance procedures, which will also help the development of air transport and the successful operation of airlines between Bulgaria and Saudi Arabia.