site.btaTourism Minister Dinkova Confers with Representatives of Over 20 Diplomatic Missions in Bulgaria

Tourism Minister Zaritsa Dinkova conferred here on Tuesday with representatives of over 20 diplomatic missions in Bulgaria. Тhe event is part of a series of informal meetings aimed at improving our relations with Bulgaria's foreign partners, the Tourism Ministry reported.

The tourism sector needs to be rebuilt and upgraded to be competitive, modern and sustainable, based on the multicultural dimension of Europe, Minister Dinkova noted.

"At a time of crisis, we need solidarity, which is why visa facilitation brings significant economic, social and cultural benefits and boosts travel and the tourism sector," Zaritza Dinkova stressed, adding that Bulgaria is a trusted and reliable partner that can only contribute to strengthening the security of the Schengen area and Europe as a whole.

"Unfortunately, the war is much closer than it seems. Bulgarian tourism experienced it this summer. We are all feeling the consequences," the Tourism Minister said.

One of the ways to reduce the consequences is to make every effort to tackle hybrid threats, disinformation and fake news. This is the only way Europe can become a preferred tourist destination, Minister Dinkova stressed. "Tourism is the engine that generates economic growth, employment and contributes to the development of local communities," Dinkova said.

Speaking to the diplomats, Dinkova stressed that the main priority of the Ministry of Tourism is to develop and promote Bulgaria as a destination for year-round tourism. The first step in this process is to restore trust in Bulgaria as a reliable partner. This was done in September with the introduction of the first-ever reforms of the way public money is spent on advertising tourism services.