site.btaSouth Korean Ambassador: Bulgaria Has Potential to Attract Tourists from Far East

Bulgaria has exceptional potential to attract tourists from far eastern markets, not only in Sofia, but also in less populated places, Korean Ambassador to Bulgaria Jongin Bae said during a working meeting with Tourism Minister Zaritza Dinkova, her Ministry said Friday.

Dinkova stressed that currently the main emphasis is placed on the promotion of specialized types of tourism - adventure, mountain, spa, cultural, historical, wine. Strong advertising campaigns are being prepared, which maintain Bulgaria's visibility in the most important markets, and establish it as an accessible and preferred tourist destination.

"Bulgaria's distinctive symbol is the rose. We produce the best quality rose oil in the world, which is used by global cosmetic brands," Dinkova said and invited Jongin to the next Rose Festival in Kazanlak, central Bulgaria. 

"Bulgaria is changing extremely fast. Your cultural tourism, the Rose Festival would be a great way to tell the world about your country," said the Korean Ambassador.

Among the potential opportunities to promote Bulgaria in the Far Eastern markets, Jongin outlined the filming of Korean films and productions in Bulgaria, and various videos to be distributed on YouTube and to further enhance interest in Bulgaria. And now videos shot by Korean youth in Sofia have been viewed tens of thousands of times on the web.

Dinkova added that in order to improve cooperation between the Bulgarian and Korean tourism businesses, a B2B tourism forum could be organized between representatives of the Bulgarian and Korean tourism businesses.