site.btaEurozone Entry Most Anticipated Move for Tourism, Minister Says

Eurozone entry is the most eagerly anticipated development for the tourism sector, Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh said on Wednesday at an information meeting in Dobrich, part of the National Information Campaign on the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria.

He noted that the sector has long conducted business in euro, describing it as a familiar, stable and strong currency. "When you enter foreign markets, you should not have to spend time calculating, explaining or persuading," Borshosh added.

The Tourism Minister explained the campaign stems from a genuine, relatable conversation about the euro, rather than purely administrative or sometimes confusing discussions. "Part of our goal is to reach people on a human level, because when we strip away the propaganda against the euro, we realize there are more conservative-minded people who may find the transition challenging, having grown up and lived with one currency. This campaign aims to address their concerns and reach as many people as possible," Borshosh said.

He noted that at least two things are crucial for any tourist destination. "Security is the overall sense that you are going to a country where things are calm, from physical safety to financial stability. The two big positives for our country in tourism are Schengen and the eurozone. The other key factor is the image and perception of the country," he said.

Borshosh stressed that the real challenge is Bulgaria's next budget, not the euro changeover: "This budget, our first in the eurozone, will be the answer to many of the economic and political questions facing the country." He said that next year Bulgaria will be able to start much-needed major sectoral changes in its economy, and there are grounds for optimism.

The Dobrich event was organized jointly by the the Ministry of Finance, the Bulgarian National Bank, the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Consumer Protection Commission, the National Revenue Agency, the Financial Supervision Commission and the National Social Security Institute, among others.