site.btaBulgarian Tourism Minister Angelkova Confers with UNWTO Secretary-General Nominee Pololikashvili

Bulgarian Tourism Minister Angelkova Confers with UNWTO Secretary-General Nominee Pololikashvili

Belgrade, June 30 (BTA) - Bulgarian Tourism Minister Nikolina Angelkova held a working meeting in Belgrade with Zurab Pololikashvili of Georgia, who has been nominated for a new Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Angelkova's Ministry said in a press release on Thursday.

The two considered the opportunities for cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and the UNWTO, as well as future joint initiatives for sustainable development of the sector. Angelkova familiarized Pololikashvili with the steps taken by Bulgaria for sustainable development of tourism and assured him that the country will continue to be one of the most active UNWTO members.

Meeting in Madrid on May 12, 2017, the 105th Session of the UNWTO Executive Council recommended Pololikashvili as a nominee for Secretary-General for the 2018-2021 period, and Bulgaria was among the countries which supported his candidature.

Angelkova is in Belgrade for a Conference on Sustainable Tourism in the Danube Region.

On Friday, Angelkova conferred with Christian de Barrin, CEO of HOTREC (the European trade association of hotels, restaurants and cafes). The Tourism Minister stressed that her Ministry single-mindedly promotes Bulgaria as a year-round destination to attract upper-market tourists. Legislative amendments have been initiated and comprehensive measures are being taken for a sustainable development of the sector and an improvement of tourist services. A tourism quality control inspectorate will be set up, which will be competent to reduce star ratings when non-conformities are established.

Angelkova added that the high vacation season has got off to a successful start and Bulgaria expects excellent results. The forecasts now are for a 7-10 per cent more foreign tourists than last year.