site.btaTransport Connectivity, Quality Tourism Product Underlie Growth - Tourism Minister Miloshev

Caretaker Tourism Minister Evtim Miloshev opened on Thursday the conference "Experience Bulgaria" (Erlebe Bulgarien) in Nessebar.

"Our desire is to win back German tourists, tourists from Austria and Switzerland. To reach the levels from before the COVID-19 pandemic. There are two very important factors that can help make this happen - firstly it is the tourism product we offer and secondly air connectivity," the Minister told journalists.

The event brought together more than 180 representatives of the tourism industry from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, who had the opportunity to learn about the Bulgarian tourism product. The forum was organized by the Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with the concessionaire of Bulgaria's seaside airports in Varna and Burgas, Fraport Twin Star Airport Management JSC, and the Association of Incoming Agencies in the country (AIA).

"We can have the best tourism product, but when we don't have air connectivity, we can't expect tourists. Things in tourism are not just about percentages, but about policies and processes. We are expecting an increase in the German market, but if we are realistic, we should note that this will mainly happen next year," the caretaker Minister said.

Asked about the project for the first of its kind mandatory Tourism Guarantee Fund in Bulgaria, which would compensate travelers in cases of non-fulfilment of commitments by tour operators, the Minister commented that the work of the group in charge of drafting the bill amending and supplementing the Tourism Act in its part on the guarantee fund is at the final stage.

"I believe that within this Cabinet, whose time is running out, we will be able to start the public consultation process. This is something that the entire industry is looking forward to. There is consensus and approval. Regarding the recent bankruptcy of a major German tour operator, we believe that this will not impact our summer tourist season," he added.