site.btaTourism Minister: Bulgaria and Spain Will Work Together to Develop More Effective Tourism Policies

Bulgaria and Spain will work in a coordinated and active way in the formulation and enforcement of tourism policies within the EU and the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). This intention was reinforced during a working meeting in Madrid between Tourism Minister Zaritza Dinkova and her Spanish counterpart Rosana Morillo, the Tourism Ministry said on Wednesday.

"The process of optimising the work of UNWTO has begun, and Spain is one of the countries that will represent Europe in it. This is extremely important for all the other member states of the organisation," Morillo said during the meeting.

Tourism development is a priority for both countries. In the coming months, a targeted effort will be made for better connectivity and more promotion. It is also important to raise awareness regarding the socio-economic importance of the sector. According to official figures from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), 270,000 people are employed in tourism and related sub-sectors in Bulgaria by 2022, compared to 2.4 million in Spain.

"Spain is one of our main partners in tourism. We are linked by many things, not only because we are part of the common European family. Our visions regarding the future of the EU, in particular the development of the tourism product, also overlap to a large extent in view of coinciding problems and interests," Minister Dinkova said.

Bulgaria regularly participates in one of the most important international tourism exhibitions and the largest on the Spanish market - the Fitur fair in Madrid.

The two officials shared their common priorities for sustainability and digitalisation. Experiences were also exchanged on best practices for the development of high quality products such as spa and wellness, medical, cultural and adventure tourism. Cooperation in this area will lead to an increase in the flow of tourists between the two countries.

The importance of Schengen in facilitating connectivity as well as security of tourists in view of the heightened tensions on the world stage was also discussed during the meeting.