site.btaBulgarian Tourism Ministry Marks World Tourism Day with Series of Initiatives

On September 27, 2024, the Ministry of Tourism will actively participate in the celebration of World Tourism Day through a series of initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the importance of tourism and its role in socio-economic development, the Ministry said here on Thursday.

As part of the celebrations, the facade of the National Palace of Culture building in central Sofia will be illuminated in the colours and logo defined by the World Tourism Organisation. The illumination will last for four hours and will start at 7:00 pm on Friday. In addition, an official World Tourism Day banner will be placed on the building's facade, which will be visible to citizens and guests of the capital from September 26 until September 29.

A special photo booth will be installed at Sofia Airport, where visitors and passengers will have the opportunity to take and print photos for free throughout the day - from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. The initiative aims to create a festive atmosphere and highlight the importance of tourism as a means of cultural exchange and connection between people.

World Tourism Day has been celebrated every year on September 27 since 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. The day aims to raise awareness of the importance of tourism and its contribution to global development and a sustainable future.

This year's theme "Tourism and Peace" focuses on the role of tourism in promoting social justice, human rights and economic sustainability. Tourism has the potential to create new economic opportunities, support entrepreneurship and promote cultural understanding between peoples. Through its impact on economic development and social transformation, tourism can be an engine for peaceful conflict resolution and the creation of stable societies, the press release said.