site.bta Caretaker Tourism Minister to Prioritize Improving Administrative Services, Promotion of Bulgaria as Tourist Destination

Caretaker Tourism Minister to Prioritize Improving Administrative Services, Promotion of Bulgaria as Tourist Destination

Sofia, February 7 (BTA) - Caretaker Tourism Minister Stella Baltova told a news conference Tuesday that her Ministry will work on two key priorities: improving the quality of the administrative services in tourism and of the promotion of Bulgaria as a tourist destination, and international cooperation in tourism. Baltova presented her team, comprising hitherto deputy tourism minister Irena Georgieva, and Bilyana Raichinova who is Baltova's chef de cabinet.

In respect of the first priority Baltova highlighted the following operational aims: creating proper conditions for the summer tourist season by effective regulation of the sector, e. g., categorization and control, and concessions.

Another task of the Ministry is the work on the system for integrated tourism information. Baltova recalled that a public procurement call has been announced for the system, which is being contested. She said that the system is important for coping with the shadow economy in the sector.

Within the powers of the caretaker minister, work is underway on draft amendments to the Tourism Act connected with the suggestion to set up a guarantee fund, in addition to tourism insurance. Baltova said that agreement has been reached with business representatives to find a balanced solution to the issue, which will then be included in the draft amendments.

Observing the deadline set by Caretaker Prime Minister Ognyan Gerdjikov, an analysis will be ready at the start of next week of the public procurement contracts under the Ministry, Baltova said.