He outlined the difficult situation he inherited at the ministry but stated that the response would be action, expertise, and a clear programme

Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov presented his team, his working principles, and the main priorities in his management programme. He stated that the ministry will be guided by expertise, transparency, integrity, and a clear anti-corruption policy, and that the goal is for Bulgarian tourism to develop as a modern, high-quality product with high added value throughout all four seasons. “I want us to talk about the real situation as it is, without unnecessary pathos or emotion. We are inheriting a difficult legacy, but our response will not be excuses—it will be hard work.” "Tourism needs a vision, well-coordinated actions, and capable people in the right places," Minister Dimitrov said. He introduced the deputy ministers, Prof. Mariela Modeva and Georgi Todorov, emphasizing that during this term, connectivity, digitalization, concessions, and practical solutions for businesses will be among the leading priorities for the team’s work.

The Minister also outlined the current state of affairs at the Ministry of Tourism, noting a significantly reduced administrative capacity, limited financial resources, and delayed procedures that directly affect the sector. Among the examples he cited were the work on the guarantee fund for tour operators, preparations for the regulation on short-term accommodations, expired maintenance contracts for critical systems, and accumulated administrative delays. According to him, part of the framework for national tourism advertising was adopted on the last day of the previous administration, which puts the new team in a binding situation.

Minister Dimitrov outlined five strategic areas in his program: connectivity and accessibility, human resources and service quality, advertising and marketing, sector reforms, and improved infrastructure. According to him, accessibility is the primary factor in choosing a destination, so efforts will focus on improving connectivity to resorts and cultural and historical sites, increasing air links, and expediting visa procedures. To this end, the Ministry will work to improve the organization of consular services and establish clear mechanisms to support connectivity, and reforms will be discussed with the industry through a new Council for Tourism Reforms.

The programme also includes measures to ensure a sufficient workforce in the sector, stronger dialogue with universities and the business community, objective assessment of the quality of tourism services, more active promotion in the domestic and neighboring markets, more tourism attachés, and a mobile app. Other priorities include updating the Tourism Act and related regulations, improving medical care at resorts, attracting major international events and investments, as well as more practical solutions for parking, buffer zones, and the use of mineral waters. “Tourism is not just a season, advertising, or statistics. It is about experience, accessibility, quality, and trust. And that is exactly what we will be working on,” Minister Ilin Dimitrov said.