site.btaOvernight Stays by Bulgarians Increase

February 9 (BTA) - A conference dedicated to the
promotion of domestic tourism opened here on Saturday. Tourism
Minister Nikolina Angelkova said that overnight stays by
Bulgarians grew by 2.6 per cent and there is an upward trend.

Minister Angelkova said that 2018 was very successful and noted
that Bulgaria was visited by over 9 million foreign tourists.
According to her, 2019 will be dynamic and difficult in the
efforts to attract more tourists. Angelkova thanked National
Assembly Chair Tsveta Karayancheva under whose auspices the
forum took place.

Poly Karastoyanova of the National Tourism Board said that the
sustainable upward trend in the number of tourists must be
preserved and suggested that 0.5 per cent of revenues from
tourism be set aside for the promotion of the country as a
tourist destination.

Sports Minister Krasen Kralev said it was too early to speak of
sports tourism in Bulgaria but that there are 'strong
foundations'. In recent years Bulgaria has established itself as
 successfully organizing international competitions of the
highest level. Each competition promotes the country and brings
in direct economic benefits.

Kralev said: "In September 2018 alone Bulgaria hosted three
world championships in volleyball, rowing and rhythmic
gymnastics and for more than a month it sent only positive
messages to the world. Sports competitions are a powerful
marketing tool which helps to develop tourism in Bulgaria."

The Tourism Ministry presented eight cultural and historic
travel destinations, seven spa destinations and 12 wine travel
destinations. Representatives of local authorities also
showcased their regions. RY/PP