The Ministry of Tourism has started an open conversation with higher education institutions that train students to work in the sector that is important for Bulgaria. The focus is on the quality of the tourism product.

"Quality in tourism begins with education and a well-trained workforce. I am happy that such a meeting is finally being held, because it is key for the future of the industry," Minister Ilin Dimitrov announced.

The university leaders discussed the creation of an Association that would work to solve the problems related to the training of personnel in tourism and provide opportunities for excellent professional realization.

It will facilitate the exchange of experience, students, managers and teachers, develop joint projects under the Erasmus program, and seek opportunities for a stronger international presence of Bulgarian tourism education.

"We can actively advertise Bulgaria, but if we do not have a quality product and good service, the efforts will not yield the necessary results," Minister Dimitrov said.

The topic of education will also be part of the work of the Tourism Reform Council, which brings together institutions, municipalities and industry organizations to develop specific solutions on the most important issues facing the sector.

Minister Dimitrov noted that the UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has expressed its support for the educational initiative, and there is also interest in partnership from other countries. According to him, the Ministry of Tourism can be a mediator between universities, institutions, businesses and international partners, so that tourism education can be better connected to the real needs in this field.

According to the rectors of higher education institutions, the sector needs not only more staff, but also clearer standards for internships, good practical training, and active participation of business in formulating the needs for specialists.

Minister Dimitrov also presented the idea of creating a Tourism Observatory, which would provide a more in-depth picture of the development of the industry. In addition to data on visits and overnight stays, our country needs qualitative analyses of guest service and satisfaction in order to improve the competitiveness of Bulgarian tourism.