Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Mariela Modeva participated in the Annual Conference of the Minister of Foreign Affairs with the Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representatives of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The two-day forum was opened by President Iliana Yotova and Prime Minister Rumen Radev, and brought together representatives of the executive branch, the diplomatic corps, and the heads of Bulgarian diplomatic missions around the world.
Current foreign policy priorities, the international situation and the role of the diplomatic service in protecting national interests were discussed.
In her speech, Prof. Modeva emphasized the importance of European integration, preparations for membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the role of economic diplomacy in the development of tourism.
"The Ministry of Tourism actively participates in the work of the OECD Tourism Committee, where policies related to sustainable development, digitalization, artificial intelligence, reliable tourism statistics and the management of tourist flows are discussed," Prof. Modeva said.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the importance of initiatives in support of entrepreneurship and innovation in tourism, which are part of the preparation of the future European Union Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. According to her, they will support the development of new tourism products and improve business access to knowledge, technology and financing.
Prof. Modeva also emphasized the significant role of Bulgarian diplomatic missions in the international positioning of the country as an attractive tourist and investment destination.
"Economic diplomacy must present Bulgaria as a country worth investing in, developing business in, and traveling to," she said, adding that tourism is among the strongest tools for building the positive international image of our country.
"A satisfied tourist becomes an ambassador of Bulgaria, and a good reputation leads to new visits, partnerships and investments," the Deputy Minister of Tourism also said.
19 July is established as the Day of the Bulgarian Diplomatic Service. On this date in 1879, a decree was issued by Prince Alexander I, appointing the first Bulgarian diplomatic representatives abroad.