site.btaNational Strategy for Tourism Development Should Be Updated, Minister Dimitrov Says

The 2014-2030 National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development should be updated, caretaker Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov said Monday. Dimitrov attended a celebrations of the Dormition of the Mother of God and the day of Varna - August 15. According to him, the reason is that the effective strategy was created years ago and neither the new digital possibilities nor work in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic are taken into account.

The strategy can be revised by a government which has longer time horizon ahead of it, Dimitrov said.

Starting next week, a working group will consider a project for establishing a unified tourism organization, the Minister explained, adding that the proposal report of the group should be ready within a month. After that, the drafting of a bill for establishing the organization will begin so that it is ready to be adopted by the future parliament, Dimitrov said.

State authorities are starting an advertising campaign to increase the number of tourists in September, Dimitrov stressed. Its aim is to attract more Bulgarian tourists and tourists from neighbourhood countries. The message of the campaign will be that September is a great time to visit the Black Sea coast, and vacations are cheaper than in July and August.

Dimitrov also said that winter season bookings have already started and UK tourist bookings are up by 20%.