site.btaHristo Stoichkov Becomes First Ambassador of Sports Tourism for World Tourism Organization

Hristo Stoichkov has been appointed the Sports Tourism Ambassador for the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). This transpired during an official meeting at the Council of Ministers, of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, and world-renowned Bulgarian footballer Hristo Stoichkov, the Ministry said in a press release on Wednesday.

The meeting was part of an official visit by the UN Tourism delegation at the invitation of the Tourism Ministry.

Minister Borshosh stated that he and UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili made a unanimous decision to support the idea of a Bulgarian being the face of sports tourism in the World Tourism Organization: "I am happy that today, together with UN Tourism, we have the honor to announce that the UN Tourism is appointing its first ambassador for sports tourism, and he is Bulgarian. This will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening Bulgaria's image on the world tourism map," he said.

The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, noted Bulgaria's potential for developing tourism in both traditional and new areas. He said that our country has significant, yet untapped potential in sports, culture, gastronomy, and wine tourism. Within 2025, two major conferences will be held in Bulgaria, as Bulgaria has been recognized as a leader in the region by UN Tourism. During the meeting with the Prime Minister, specific initiatives in the field of education were shared, which the ministry will develop in collaboration with the UN Tourism.