Sheikha Al Nuaish, Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization: “We will partner with Bulgaria in the fields of education and investment”

Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov held a meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Sheikha Al Nuaish, during the 126th session of the Executive Council, which took place in Toledo, Spain.
The forum brought together representatives of member states, international experts, and the leadership of UN Tourism.
As a member of the Executive Council of the organization, which comprises 161 member states, Bulgaria actively participates in decision-making that shapes the development of global tourism.
During the meeting, joint projects of priority for our country were discussed, such as the establishment of an Observatory for Measuring Quality in Tourism with the assistance of UN Tourism.
At the invitation of Ilin Dimitrov, Shaikha Al Nowais will visit Bulgaria this year in connection with a joint event supported by the global organization, and in 2027 we will organize an Investment Forum with the participation of the largest companies in the tourism industry.
Minister Dimitrov also discussed with the Secretary-General of UN Tourism the cooperation on the creation of an association of higher education institutions that train professionals in the tourism sector. 
The initiative will include other Balkan countries within a single centre to be based in Bulgaria.  
The Bulgarian ambassador to Spain, Todor Stoyanov, also attended the meeting in Toledo. 
Shaikha Al Nowais is a prominent leader from the United Arab Emirates and the first woman to serve as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, bringing a new vision for its development.

During the meetings of the UNWTO Executive Council, emphasis was placed on the sustainable development of destinations, the digital transformation of the tourism industry, investments in the sector, innovation, and opportunities for better connectivity between countries.
Bulgaria’s participation in this international forum is crucial for promoting the country as a competitive tourist destination and for presenting its national priorities in the field of tourism.