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Optimistic data on the growth of the tourism industry in the country

Deputy Minister of Economy and Energy Branimir Botev started the Bulgarian promotion  on the Exhibition World Travel Market in London. He greeted the entire tourist companies and organizations being involved together with the Ministry of Economy and Energy in the exhibition, and wished them to successfully represent our country and the variety of its tourist products.
The largest market   for professionals in the tourism industry and the world's second most reputable tourism exhibition World Travel Market has started today and will be carried by 6 November at the exhibition center ExCel. Bulgaria takes part at World Tourism Exhibition  in London for the 34th consecutive time.  This year, our country is represented by a national stand located on an area of 295 square meters with the slogan “Bulgaria - A discovery to share”.  35 travel companies and municipal administrations participate at the Bulgarian stand together with the Ministry of Economy and Energy. Further to the traditional tourist products, an accent on the cultural, spa and wellness opportunities of Bulgaria as a tourist destination will be placed within the exhibition.
The latest data provided by the NSI indicated a significant interest in the Bulgarian tourism, as per which 6,5% more foreign tourists or 6,25 million international  visitors, excluding the transiting across the territory of the country,  have  visited Bulgaria within the period January-September 2014 compared to the same period last year. Optimistic data on the upward trend of the Bulgarian tourism have been confirmed by the BNB as well. The revenues from international visitors, on the current account of the balance of payments, has been accounted for EUR 2,325 billion, which is a growth by 4,1%   compared to the same period last year.
"Apparently, the policy implemented in the field of tourism gives a positive result", Deputy Minister Botev explicitly stated. He pointed out the diversification as key principle of the approved Strategy on Tourism Development until 2030. Positive reactions on behalf of Bulgarian tourism industry were  expressed and mainly proved by a rapid opening of new air destinations such as Istanbul – Varna  direc airline  already agreed to be launched in  2015, a new charter line Vienna-Varna – Vienna to be opened , an air line  Varna - Ashgabat -Varna expected to be opened, as well as an increase of the Bulgarian and Russian air carriers under the air line Ekaterinburg- Varna, which might result in  a regular air  service to Varna and Sofia. Bulgaria recently opened a consulate office in Yekaterinburg - the third richest region, including Tyumen, Koral and etc., where the large percentage of gas, oil and arms industry of Russia is situated.
As a execively  positive trend for the industry  could be noted the fact that Bulgaria has been visited by  foreign tourists from the countries also attracted by our cultural and historical tourism, spa tourism such as  Austria, where an increase in tourists by  40% is observed , Belgium - 28%, Spain - 16%, the Netherlands - 9%, USA - 13%,  France – 7, 5% and Switzerland – 33,5%. "These are expensive and demanding tourists. People from countries like Italy, France and Spain do not come to Bulgaria because of the sea ", said Deputy Minister Botev.
"Obviously, that efforts to promote the Bulgarian history, culture and spa also made around the world, have given their results", added the Deputy Minister in charge for Tourism. According to him, the opening of new airlines has resulted from the selective policy of direct marketing and the presence of Bulgaria on  the global tourism market. The future of the tourism will be determined by airlines and airports, motorways and security, and that s way the implementation of Estia system is of a key importance for Bulgaria, which will provide transparency of all travel business and ensure national security and development and adoption of national tourism master plan together the World Tourism Organization to the United Nations. It was confirmed by Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General to the World Tourism Organization. Bulgaria has been missing from the Austrian market for five years, but Deputy Minister Botev corrected that mistake last year, and currently Bulgaria is provided with a national stand. Thus, 40% more Austrian tourists have been attracted or 153 thousand visitors were accounted up to September. "Bulgaria has not been involved in the tourism exhibition in Switzerland, but now a national stand is opened in Lucerne, which resulted in a growth of 33,5%  or  25 thousand  Swiss who rediscovered Bulgaria," said Deputy Minister Botev.
He recalled the EMITT tourist exhibition in Turkey where the country was awarded for the best stand. As a result of our participation, an increase of 61% of Turkish tourists was reported or 320 thousand visitors were accounted up to September.  Deputy Minister Botev noted that regarding the 10 first destinations for Bulgaria, a growth was observed in seven of them, and a decrease is observed only in three - Great Britain – 4, 3%, which traditionally compensates by higher growth of winter tourism in Bulgaria, Russia – 2, 9% and Ukraine – 9, 6%. "Thanks to well prepared and implemented tourism strategy, Bulgaria minimized the negative effects of the crisis situation around Ukraine and Crimea, and pessimistic forecasts for a decline of 15-20% of tourism in the country have been denied", explicitly stated Deputy Minister Botev. He added that the latest statistics have proved the proper status of Bulgarian tourism, which is achieved thanks to the professionalism of the persons engaged in it, and correctly chosen strategy for diversification and the identification of tourism among the main sources of income for the country's economy.
In an interview for the Travel Channel and the Bulgarian National Radio, the possibilities of Bulgaria in the field of cultural and adventure, spa and wellness tourism were highlighted. Bulgaria was promoted by the Deputy Minister in charge of Tourism during a formal dinner being had the day before the start of the tourist exhibition World Travel Market under the arrangement by CNN.
On the first day of the international exchange, the Bulgarian stand was highly appreciated and attracted the interest of a large number of guests from near and distant countries. An entertainment program was organized for the visitors featuring woodcarving workshop, which will be available all days of the World Tourism Exhibition. The guests of WorldTravel Market from around the world are able to taste quality Bulgarian wine presented by a sommelier. On the last day of the tourism  exhibition, the  visitors will be able to enjoy the Bulgarian folklore dance performed by a  folklore  group in traditional  national costumes.