The Ministry of Tourism held a working meeting with representatives of the National Tourism Board, during which the parties discussed key matters concerning preparations for the forthcoming summer tourist season, the sustainable development of the sector, and measures to enhance Bulgaria’s competitiveness as a tourist destination.

The meeting was attended by the Acting Minister of Tourism, Irena Georgieva, who underscored the significant role of the National Tourism Board as a driver of sustainable policies, high-value projects, and innovative initiatives that contribute to the development of tourism in the country. The organization is the only one in Bulgaria that is an associate member of UN Tourism at the United Nations.

During the conversation, the parties discussed current issues relating to air connectivity and charter programs for the summer season, as well as procedures for the importation of workers from third countries, a matter of essential importance to the normal functioning of the tourism sector. Representatives of the industry provided a favorable assessment of the Ministry of Tourism in respect of the measures undertaken and its successful mitigation of the challenges arising from the military conflict in the Middle East.

The Chairman of the Management Board of the National Tourism Board, Krasimir Gergov, expressed his gratitude to Minister Georgieva and the team of the Ministry of Tourism for their active dialogue and support for the tourism sector. According to him, the organization shall continue to operate as a constructive partner of the institution in furtherance of the unification of the tourism industry.

During the meeting, the forthcoming implementation of a series of events under the title "The 4 Keys to Sustainable Tourism - Culture, Nature, Food and Innovation" was also noted. The initiative shall be implemented in institutional partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency, the Bulgarian National Radio, the University of Library Science and Information Technology, the University of Food Technology - Plovdiv, the University of Forestry, the Bulgarian Association of Restaurants, the Bulgarian Convention Bureau, and the Bulgarian Tourist Union.

The participants in the meeting agreed on the need for enhanced cooperation among institutions, the business community, and academia, as well as coordinated efforts to develop a long-term vision and strategy for the development of tourism in Bulgaria. This, according to them, constitutes a key prerequisite for enhancing our country's competitiveness in the global tourism market.