Bulgaria presents its tourism potential at one of the most significant French exhibitions - IFTM Top Resa in Paris

Minister Ilin Dimitrov met with the French Minister of Tourism Serge Papin and with representatives of leading companies from the tourism sector and tourism media from France

The Minister of Tourism, Dr. Ilin Dimitrov, opened the Bulgarian national stand at the international tourism exhibition International French Travel Market (IFTM) Top Resa 2026, which is taking place from 15 to 17 September in Paris. The forum was also attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to France, Radka Balabanova-Ruleva.

"The French market has a long history for us, but over the years it has lost its luster. Our goal is to restart relations and build on our partnerships," Minister Dimitrov said.

IFTM Top Resa is the leading professional travel exhibition in France and one of the established B2B events for the travel industry in Europe. The forum brings together national and regional tourism organizations, tour operators, travel agencies, hoteliers, airlines, cruise operators and representatives of the MICE industry.

Within the framework of the exhibition, Minister Ilin Dimitrov held a meeting with the Minister of Tourism of France, Serge Papin. The two discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in the field of tourism and to promote tourist exchanges between the two countries.

French tourists are interested in cultural and business tourism, as well as beach holidays on the Northern Black Sea Coast, including the resorts of Golden Sands and Albena. Balneotherapy, spa and wellness tourism are also among the promising areas for the development of Bulgaria’s presence in the French market.

Minister Dimitrov also met with the team of "Le Petit Futé" - one of the authoritative French publications specializing in tourist information and travel guides. The possibilities for a broader presentation of Bulgaria and its tourism products to the French audience were discussed.

During the exhibition, Dr. Ilin Dimitrov also spoke with Thomas Drexler, responsible for the tourism department of AVIAREPS. The company is an international partner of tourism organizations and destinations in the field of marketing, presentation and development of tourism markets.