site.btaBulgaria, Macedonia Set Up Working Groups to Promote Two-way Tourism

Bulgaria, Macedonia Set Up Working Groups to Promote Two-way Tourism

Sofia, February 2 (BTA) - Bulgaria and Macedonia will embark on active work to broaden the bilateral cooperation in tourism and increase the tourist flow. An agreement to this effect was reached at a meeting in Skopje between Bulgarian Tourism Minister Nikolina Angelkova and Macedonian Minister of Economy Bekim Neziri, Angelkova's Ministry said in a press release Tuesday. Angelkova, who paid a working visit to Skopje, said that in 2015 more than 460,000 Macedonian tourists visited Bulgaria, noting that the the potential is much greater.

Attending the working meeting were the mayors of the Bulgarian towns of Smolyan, Sandanski, Blagoevgrad, Chepelare and Bankso, the mayors of Skopje, Ohrid, Tetovo and other towns in Macedonia, and business representatives from the two neighbouring countries.

Angelkova said that within a fortnight, the sides will nominate representatives in the working groups who will focus on measures to increase the two-way tourist flow and promote the two countries as a joint tourist destination in remote markets. The working groups will also focus on creating a joint tourist destination Balkans, by promoting partnership with other countries in the region as well, Angelkova said.

Neziri stressed that tourism is a key priority of his country and voiced a hope that the future cooperation will result in a increased number of Bulgarian tourists visiting Macedonia.

Angelkova noted that the format of the working meeting is very effective as it fosters an intensive dialogue between the state administrations, the local powers and the business. Bansko Mayor Georgi Ikonomov said that Macedonia is the second biggest market of for tourism in Southwestern Bulgaria and that the feedback from the Macedonian holiday makers is extremely positive.

Skopje Mayor Koce Trajanovski stressed the importance of cooperation with Bulgarian towns, given that the links between the Balkan countries are strong as they have common history, cuisine and traditions.