BNT Management Board Member Andonov: Winter Tourism's Development Is Key Element of Bulgaria's Tourism Profile

Dimitrina Solakova

Anton Andonov, member of the Management Board of Bulgarian National Television, speaking at the BG TOURISM - WINTER 2025/2026 forum, Pamporovo, Southern Bulgaria, December 6, 2025 (BTA Photo/Boyan Botev)

Pamporovo, Southern Bulgaria,

06.12.2025 15:17

(BTA)

The development of winter tourism in Bulgaria is a key element of the country's overall tourism profile, Anton Andonov, member of the Management Board of Bulgarian National Television (BNT), said here on Saturday. He was speaking during the forum on BG TOURISM - WINTER 2025/2026, organized by the BTA in partnership with the Municipality of Chepelare, the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism (BUBSPA), and the resort of Pamporovo.

The forum is part of BTA's initiative to host forums twice a year – at the beginning of the summer and winter tourist seasons – to discuss the messages for the presentation of tourism in Bulgaria during the upcoming season with representatives of state and municipal institutions, the tourism business, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and experts.

Andonov went on to say that in recent years, they have observed a clear trend towards higher quality services, especially in winter tourism, both in hotels and restaurants and in specialized tourist services. "This assessment is not only internal. It also comes from customers, even from outside the country, which in itself is commendable. The media has a very important role to play in this process," Andonov noted.

"We are on a path where we need to build more trust, more awareness, and better partnerships," he noted. In his words, the media should not just be observers but bridge the gap between business and customers. "For this to happen, however, there needs to be more discussion, even among professionals. When communication is clear, professional, and consistent, it works for the country's image, and we can convey the messages that we all want to reach ordinary customers in Bulgaria and abroad much more accurately and effectively," Andonov argued.

As a potential solution for improving communication effectiveness, he pointed to the organization of more meetings between representatives of the major media, journalists, and representatives of the tourism industry.

Andonov also touched on the need to improve infrastructure. "We are talking about the infrastructure in and around resorts, accessibility, even digital connectivity, transport, parking, and the condition of roads. All of this is part of this conversation. Tourists experience their holiday from the moment they leave for their destination until the moment they return home. If the infrastructure lags behind, this puts a restriction on the business, regardless of the investments it makes and how good and high-quality the tourist service it offers is," Andonov said.

He also commented on the advertising of tourist destinations in Bulgaria. "Advertising is a package that can be modern, bright, impressive, but if the tourist service behind it and the tourist product are not of sufficient quality, the customer will not reach for it, at least not for a second time. Winter tourism has serious potential, but success depends on our joint actions," Andonov added.

/DS/