site.btaTourism Minister Meets with Industry Organizations, States Commitment to Stability

The caretaker Minister of Tourism Irena Georgieva stated on Wednesday that while the caretaker government's term is short, this does not alter the commitment to stability and predictability in the work of the tourism sector. Georgieva spoke during a meeting with representatives of the Bulgarian Association of Travel Agencies, Association of Tour-Operators and Travel Agents Union Future for Tourism, Tourism Association, Association of Incoming Agencies, Association of Bulgarian Tour Operators and Travel Agents, the Ministry of Tourism reported.

The agenda covered challenges facing the sector, preparations for the summer season, issues surrounding the Tourism Guarantee Fund, measures against the shadow economy, as well as marketing policy and issues related to major foreign markets.

The industry raised the issue of the insufficient number of flights from Germany and how this may impact the upcoming season. Kalin Sutev from the Association of Incoming Agencies warned that the reduced capacity of the flights will have a direct impact and may lead to difficulties in maintaining competitive prices. Georgieva said that while her Ministry is working within an extended budget, the national marketing programme is being implemented, and Bulgaria's participation in international exhibitions is guaranteed. She indicated that opportunities will be sought to support the sector through advertising and marketing tools, and the dialogue with the industry will continue.