site.btaUPDATED Financial Dimension of Schengen Area Is on Average About BGN 300 Mln Extra, Tourism Minister Miloshev Says

The financial dimension of a full membership in the Schengen area is on average around BGN 300 million extra, said caretaker Tourism Minister Evtim Miloshev Thursday, adding that a preliminary analysis has been made in the Tourism Policy Directorate of the Ministry, which shows that the direct benefits for tourism in the coming years amount to an average of additional BGN 300 million.

"This is the financial dimension of the Schengen area. The security that being part of this area gives us is a very important factor for tourism. The best message that Bulgaria can send to the world in 2025 is that it is not only a wonderful tourist destination, but also a safe destination. Our presence in the Schengen area is a guarantee of this security," Miloshev said.

"Even the most wonderful place in the world, if it is not safe, if one does not feel secure, especially if one goes on tourism and on vacation, becomes unpreferred", he pointed out, adding that the fact that Bulgaria now has access to three seas, metaphorically speaking, is a good opportunity for Bulgarians who can consume, travel freely and for foreigners who can come and enjoy the extraordinary beauties of Bulgarian nature, alongside its rich cultural and historical heritage.