site.btaTourism Minister Borshosh Champions Bulgaria’s Role at UN Tourism Assembly in Riyadh

Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh took part in the 124th session of the Executive Council and the 26th General Assembly of UN Tourism held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Tourism Ministry press service said here on Sunday.

Bulgaria’s participation was highlighted at the event, where global leaders discussed the future direction of the international tourism sector. Central focus was placed on sustainable, innovative, and inclusive growth for the sector in the context of a rapidly changing global environment.

“These meetings are essential for creating a new vision for tourism, one based on partnership, innovation, and long-term sustainability. Bulgaria is an active participant in this global dialogue and affirms its position as a reliable partner in developing the sector,” Borshosh said during the sessions.

The event marked both the 50th anniversary of UN Tourism, five decades during which the organisation has played a pivotal role in fostering international cooperation, sustainable development and economic opportunity through tourism, and the confirmation of Sheikha Al Nowais as the organization’s first female and youngest-ever Secretary-General.

During the sessions, Bulgaria was specially recognized in a report by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili as the host of one of the most important global tourism conferences for 2025: the 9th Global Conference on Wine Tourism, a recognition of the country’s active role and contribution to international tourism dialogue.

Borshosh presented the positive outcomes from the Global Conference and another joint initiative by the Ministry of Tourism and UN Tourism: the development of an Investment Guide for Tourism in Bulgaria. This strategic document aims to showcase investment opportunities and stimulate sustainable, high value-added projects in the sector.

“Bulgaria’s participation in the 124th session of the Executive Council and the 26th General Assembly of UN Tourism underscores our long-term commitment to international dialogue on the future of tourism and the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Tourism to help shape global policies in the sector,” Borshosh added.

In early October, the 9th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism was officially opened in Plovdiv. The forum gathered representatives of international organisations, academics, institutions, wine producers, and tourism experts from around the world under the banner “The Art of Wine Tourism”. At that time, Borshosh noted that hosting the conference marked a new starting point for the development of tourism in Bulgaria.