[1]The Minister of Tourism, Ms. Irena Georgieva, held a working meeting with H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Aljaber, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Bulgaria. During the conversation, the parties confirmed the traditionally strong cooperation between the two countries and discussed its further development in the tourism sector.
Minister Georgieva expressed her gratitude to the competent authorities of the United Arab Emirates for the support and assistance provided in relation to the complex situation arising from the military conflict in the Middle East, as well as for the timely assistance rendered in connection with the evacuation of Bulgarian tourists from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. She emphasized that this solidarity constitutes clear evidence of the strong bilateral relations and partnership between the two countries.
During the meeting, Minister Georgieva underscored the ongoing and active dialogue with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), including the meetings held with Secretary-General Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, as well as the opportunities to deepen the partnership with the United Arab Emirates.
Special emphasis was placed on the presentation of the investment guide, "Tourism Doing Business - Investing in Bulgaria," developed by the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with UN Tourism. The document aims to promote sustainable international investment in the Bulgarian tourism sector and to position the country as an attractive destination for business and tourism.
Minister Georgieva emphasized that the UAE constitutes a strategic partner and a target market for Bulgaria. Although the number of tourists from the Emirates is currently limited, potential for growth exists.
The Minister of Tourism raised the issue of clarifying the financial relations between tour operators from both countries following the suspension of tourist travel in the region in connection with the military conflict in the Middle East.
The two countries confirmed their readiness to develop institutional cooperation, building on the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of tourism, signed in 2022 between the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Ministry of Economy of the UAE.