site.btaBulgarian Wine, Cuisine Are Hidden Treasure, Says UN World Tourism Organization Secretary-General

Bulgarian wine and cuisine are a hidden treasure, UN World Tourism Organization Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said during the 9th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism in Plovdiv on Monday.

He emphasized that gastronomy and wine are fundamental to the tourist experience and that Bulgaria has something to offer in this regard. He noted that Bulgarian wine and Bulgarian cuisine are not as well known as they deserve which is why they are a hidden treasure that will be discovered by tourists internationally, adding that Bulgarian folk music is an exceptional wealth and together with wine and cuisine, the country has all the elements necessary for cultural tourism.

Pololikashvili pointed out that he is visiting Plovdiv for the second time and Bulgaria as a whole for the eighth time, noting that the country is an excellent wine destination. "We know that cultural and rural tourism have been developing strongly in Bulgaria recently, and that wine tourism is also extremely modern, and we see the potential and progress in this direction," he commented. Bulgaria was known for its Black Sea resorts, but as the European Capital of Culture in 2019, Plovdiv is a must-see destination where tourists can enjoy exceptional quality, Pololikashvili stressed.

The 9th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism is themed  "The Art of Wine Tourism". It takes place on October 6 and 7, and highlights the multi-faceted relationship between wine tourism and the arts, positioning both as vital tools for protecting heritage, promoting creativity and enhancing the attractiveness of rural and wine-producing destinations. Participants engage with policy makers, representatives of tourist destinations, entrepreneurs, researchers and specialists from around the world.