site.btaSandanski Mayor Calls for Tourism Education in Bulgarian Schools to Address Skills Shortage, Boost Local Industry

Tourism education should be included in every Bulgarian school, said Sandanski Mayor Atanas Stoyanov at the 10th Working Meeting between tourism business and local authorities here on Wednesday. "In regions where tourism is a major industry, secondary schools should prioritize it, as there is a persistent shortage of skilled personnel in this sector. A sustainable solution to this issue is to create an educational and professional link with young people, encouraging them to enroll in tourism-focused classes," Stoyanov added.

He noted that the primary goal of the event was to share experiences, ideas, perspectives, and best practices for advancing the tourism sector in the Southwest region. Stoyanov described the current period as complex, stating that it poses the greatest challenge for local authorities, businesses, and tour operators.

Stoyanov said that over the years, Sandanski has become a top tourist destination, with tourism being a key industry in both the municipality and the region. This success is due to the area's natural beauty, healing mineral waters, clean air, and the famous hospitality of the Pirin region. Additionally, a strong partnership between the municipality, tour operators, and businesses of all sizes has contributed to this success.

"We should function like a big family, creating a high-quality tourism product that appeals not only to international visitors but especially to Bulgarian tourists, who might be our most valued guests. In this regard, Sandanski has a lot to offer," stated Mayor Stoyanov.

Also attending the meeting were BTA Director General Kiril Valchev; Daniela Mihalkova, an expert from the Ministry of Tourism; Anton Penev, Director of the Tourism municipal enterprise in Sofia Municipality; and representatives from various municipalities, including Sofia, Varna (on the Black Sea), Burgas (on the Black Sea), Vidin (on the Danube), and Gabrovo (Central Bulgaria). 

The forum is supported by Sandanski Municipality and the Ministry of Tourism and will run until November 15.