site.btaMore Financial Decentralization Needed for Municipalities to Invest Directly in Beach Infrastructure, Waste Management, Security

Tourism Minister Zaritsa Dinkova held a working meeting with the mayors of Shabla, Balchik, Kavarna, Dolni Chiflik and municipal representatives of Avren and Byala, the Tourism Ministry said Monday. The meeting was hosted by Varna Municipality. 

Dinkova noted the exceptional role of local authorities in the development of tourism. She said that more financial decentralization is needed so that municipalities can invest directly in beach infrastructure, waste management and security. The Tourism Ministry is already reviewing best practices for establishing a tourist police.

Varna Mayor Ivan Portnih shared his position that the budget for advertising Bulgaria abroad should be increased. He asked the Tourism Minister for assistance in regulating the funds for tourism advertising in municipal budgets, the Ministry said.

Shabla Mayor, Marian Zhechev, presented the idea of holding an Eastern Bird Fair near Durankulak, where over 150 species of rare and endangered birds nest.

Dune protection, beach security and free camping are among the most serious problems in the region.

Those present at the meeting pledged to maintain effective cooperation between local government representatives and the Tourism Ministry, in coordination with the structures of the Interior Ministry, the Environment Ministry and the Regional Development Ministry.

On July 24, Dinkova also held a working meeting with the mayors of municipalities on the Southern Black Sea coast.

At the time she called on the mayors of the sea municipalities in the Burgas region to unite their efforts to extend the length of the sea season.