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"Bulgaria is working to create an accelerated mechanism for the implementation of investment projects in tourism, which would unite the responsible institutions and provide a clearer and more coordinated administrative process for investors." This was stated by the Minister of Tourism, Dr. Ilin Dimitrov, during the High-Level Interregional Tourism Forum "Europe - Asia", which is taking place in Podgorica, Montenegro.The event is attended by ministers, representatives of international organizations and tourism entrepreneurs from Europe and Asia. The forum was also attended by the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais.“In today's global uncertainty, investor confidence depends on clear rules and long-term direction. The reforms we have undertaken in Bulgaria for the development of tourism and the creation of a favorable investment environment are also aimed at this goal," Minister Dimitrov said.He pointed out that Bulgaria is actively seeking investments that create quality jobs, innovation and develop the regions.The attention of the international community was focused on actions to improve Bulgaria's transport connectivity and position it as a modern competitive destination, which are priorities for the Ministry of Tourism.Ilin Dimitrov also presented the Association of Higher Education Schools Training Tourism Professionals, established in September, whose goal is to increase quality in the sector through cooperation between the academic community, the tourism business and the state.During the Montenegrin visit, meetings with the management of local universities are also envisaged as part of plans to expand the network to include European and international partners.Tomorrow, Minister Ilin Dimitrov will participate in the high-level dialogue on tourism investments in the context of global uncertainty and will hold a bilateral meeting with his Montenegrin counterpart Simonida Kordić.

With the establishment of the Association of Higher Education Institutions, the creation of the National Observatory and the Alley of International Tourism, Bulgaria celebrated World Tourism Day in VarnaAn association of higher education institutions training staff for the tourism sector was established in Varna on World Tourism Day, September 27. It marks the beginning of closer cooperation between the academic community, the business sector and the state. “Quality in tourism begins with a high-quality education and with motivated and professionally fulfilled people who create the tourism offering. The establishment of the Association is a continuation of our efforts to build a stronger link between higher education institutions and the sector’s actual needs,” Minister of Tourism Dr Ilin Dimitrov said.This year, the theme of the event is ‘The Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Tourism’, and the programme featured 17 vice-chancellors and representatives of higher education institutions, as well as ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps. The association will work for a more active exchange of knowledge and good practices, mobility of students and teachers, joint educational and scientific projects, and closer interaction between universities and the tourism business.The participants were joined by video addresses on the occasion of World Tourism Day and the establishment of the Association by the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Cordula Wohlmuther from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), and Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krasimir Alexandrov was elected Chairman of the Association. He emphasized that the association brings together higher education institutions, businesses and public authorities and should create conditions for the exchange of knowledge, experience and scientific solutions with a focus on quality in tourism. “From now on, there will be a double celebration for everyone involved in tourism. We are bringing together representatives from higher education institutions, the business sector and public authorities, and it is precisely through open communication and the application of scientific achievements that we can work towards improving quality,” Assoc. Prof. Dr Krasimir Alexandrov said.Minister Dimitrov also announced the creation of a National Observatory for the Quality and Sustainability of the Tourism Product. It will collect and analyze real data on processes in the sector, including feedback from tourists via QR codes at tourist sites. "The information will allow us to track the development of the tourism offering both at the national and regional levels, and to see where there is progress or where improvements are needed," the minister emphasized.On the occasion of World Tourism Day in the Sea Garden of Varna, representatives of the diplomatic corps, the academic community and the founding countries of the Association planted over 20 silver-leafed linden trees and marked the beginning of the Alley of International Tourism. The idea is for the alley to grow over the years and for more participants to join the initiative.

The partnership with the leading tour operator in Europe aims to strengthen our country's presence on the European tourism market and extend the tourist season.The Ministry of Tourism and the largest travel company in Europe - TUI Group signed a three-year memorandum of cooperation in the field of air and tourism connectivity, advertising, season extension and the development of new tourism products at the Evksinograd Residence. The aim is for the number of tourists travelling to Bulgaria via TUI to double by the end of 2030, reaching 400,000 people a year."Our ambition is for the tourist flow to Bulgaria through TUI channels to grow significantly by attracting more German guests, as well as other key European markets," Minister of Tourism, Dr. Ilin Dimitrov, said.The partnership aims to expand the German group’s programmes, facilitate joint marketing and strengthen Bulgaria’s international profile as a year-round destination.Minister Dimitrov pointed out that the recovery of the German market is one of the important tasks for the next tourist season. "We want it to be significantly stronger, to start as early as early May and, under good conditions, to continue until the end of September," the minister said. Bulgaria will also be promoted to a European audience through cultural, spa and wellness, nature, wine and gastronomic, sports and conference tourism.TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel emphasized that the company sees significant opportunities for developing its business in Bulgaria and shares with the government a common vision for the quality of the tourism product, connectivity and the overall guest experience. "We have discussed many opportunities to grow the business and we believe that now is the right time to do so. We are very pleased to have a partner here in the form of the government, with whom we share the same vision. Our focus is on quality, distinctive products and strong brands. With this shared vision, we will continue to build a strong business for the benefit of the region and the people here," Ebel said.The signing of the memorandum is the next step in the long-standing partnership between Bulgaria and TUI and takes place within the framework of the annual meeting of over 150 senior managers of the group in Varna.

During the ‘Long Summer’ / ‘Hospitable Sea’ forum, an assessment was made of the summer of 2026 and the opportunities for year-round tourism"Long Summer" reflects our ambition to extend the start and end of the tourism season and turn Bulgaria into a year-round destination. We have all the resources." This was stated by the Minister of Tourism, Dr. Ilin Dimitrov, at the opening of the national meeting in Tsarevo with the participation of mayors from the Southern Black Sea Coast, the regional governor of Burgas and representatives of the tourism industry.Minister Dimitrov presented an analysis of the results of the active season, which is still underway. For the period May - July, over 11 million overnight stays and over 3 million tourists were recorded. Revenue from overnight stays increased by 13% compared to the same period last year. According to data from the Unified Tourist Information System (USTI), from the beginning of the year to mid-September, tourist registrations in accommodation facilities were over 7.3 million. “Over 4 million foreigners come to Bulgaria annually. Our goal is to double the number by the end of our mandate, while also maintaining the interest of our Bulgarian tourists," Minister Dimitrov said. Among the topics discussed during the event were good practices and new trends, the challenges facing Bulgarian tourism and the prospects for its future development.Minister Dimitrov highlighted the priorities in the management program such as improving connectivity, effective advertising, measuring quality and highlighting the tourism sector. He placed emphasis on redirecting more resources from tourism back to infrastructure, events, and promoting the regions and their landmarks.