The meeting outlined the prospects for the 2026 summer season, the expansion of partnerships with the German tourism industry, and opportunities to increase tourist traffic outside the peak summer months

Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov opened the third edition of the international tourism conference “Experience Bulgaria” (Erlebe Bulgarien), which is taking place in Sveti Vlas.

The forum has established itself as the most significant specialized platform for presenting Bulgaria to the German tourism industry and this year brings together dozens of representatives from leading tour operators, airlines, travel agencies, hotel companies, and specialized media outlets from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Participants include representatives from Dertour, Alltours, Schauinsland-Reisen, Coral Travel Group Germany, LMX Touristik, Fraport Bulgaria, Wizz Air, International Carrier Consult (ICC), as well as a number of German travel agencies and trade media outlets.

“Germany remains one of our most important strategic markets. Today’s travelers are looking for authentic experiences and memories that last a lifetime, and that is exactly what Bulgaria can offer throughout all seasons of the year,” Minister Dimitrov said.

He noted that, in addition to its well-established seaside resorts, Bulgaria attracts visitors with its excellent opportunities for mountain and adventure tourism, cultural and historical itineraries, spa and balneotherapy, as well as wine and culinary tourism.

Among the main topics of the forum are the development of air connectivity between Bulgaria and Germany, the outlook for the 2026 summer season and preparations for 2027, improving the quality of tourism infrastructure, and expanding partnerships between the Bulgarian and German tourism industries.

Special emphasis was placed on the need to increase flight capacity to Varna and Burgas airports, as well as on opportunities to attract more tourists during the months outside the peak summer season.

Ilin Dimitrov also noted Bulgaria’s growing international visibility as a tourist destination. He said that the country is increasingly hosting major international events, which help promote it to the world and create new opportunities for the tourism sector.

As part of “Erlebe Bulgarien,” dozens of bilateral meetings are being held between Bulgarian hoteliers, tourism organizations, and representatives of the German tourism sector, with the aim of expanding partnerships, developing new tourism products, and preparing future programs to attract more tourists to Bulgaria.