site.btaDeputy Economy Minister Kostadinov Calls for Innovation, Sustainability in Tourism

Tourism is a strategic sector for Bulgaria’s economy that needs a clear long-term vision, innovation and sustainable business models, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Anton Kostadinov said at the Tourism. Nature. Innovation conference in Sofia on Tuesday.

The event was part of the National Tourism Board’s initiatives marking its 20th anniversary under the motto The Four Keys to Sustainable Tourism: Culture, Nature, Food and Innovation. It was held under the patronage of President Iliana Iotova with the support of the Ministry of Tourism. BTA is a media partner.

Kostadinov said that over the past two decades, the National Tourism Board had established itself as an important factor in the sector’s development and as an effective platform for dialogue between the State and business.

He said tourism made a substantial contribution to economic growth, employment and regional development and, together with related activities, accounted for at least 8% of the country’s GDP. He noted that the real share was difficult to measure because the sector was closely linked to many other industries.

Kostadinov pointed to the need for strategic planning and a more active roll-out of innovation. He said universities should play a key role as generators of ideas and technologies, but added that a challenge remained in ensuring these innovations reached businesses effectively.

Kostadinov said the fast-moving economic environment required greater speed both in developing and introducing innovation. He also pointed to the need to build sustainable business models capable of responding to crises and external economic shocks.

Among the key factors for tourism’s future development, he pointed to better infrastructure, the digitization of services, higher-quality human capital and a favourable environment for investors.

He said the sector’s long-term vision should focus on building a sustainable and innovative tourism model that combined economic efficiency with the protection of natural resources and the development of local communities.

Kostadinov said he was confident that, through consistent policies and active partnership between institutions and business, Bulgarian tourism would continue to develop as a key sector of the national economy.