site.btaDeputy Tourism Minister Georgieva Opens Expo Event Industry 2026

Congress and event tourism is among the fastest-growing segments with high added value for the economy and Bulgaria’s international image, Deputy Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva said on Tuesday at the opening of the Event Industry Congress EEI 2026 (Expo Event Industry), held at the Sofia Event Center and organized by the Bulgarian Convention Bureau.

Georgieva said that in modern tourism it is no longer sufficient for destinations to rely solely on natural beauty – rather, experiences, meetings, discussions, and the exchange of ideas play a decisive role in turning a destination into a stage for international dialogue, partnerships, and decision-making.

On behalf of the Tourism Ministry, Georgieva said that the institution is working actively to establish congress and event tourism as a key element of the national tourism product with high added value.

According to her, creating a sustainable and professional national platform for dialogue and the exchange of best practices is a crucial step toward positioning Bulgaria as a competitive European destination for international congresses, exhibitions, and business events.

Expo Event Industry 2026 brings together representatives of the public and private sectors, international organizations, and experts with proven experience, which is a clear sign of Bulgaria’s growing role in the global event industry, Georgieva added.