site.btaBulgaria, Greece Sign Programme for Joint Action in Tourism

Bulgaria and Greece signed a Programme for Joint Action in Tourism for the period 2024 - 2026, the Bulgarian Tourism Ministry said on Saturday. The agreement was signed prior to the official opening of the 38th Philoxenia Expo, which is running in the Greek city of Thessaloniki from November 10 to 12. Bulgaria is an honored country at the international tourism exhibition with a representative stand covering an area of 100 sq. m.

"This Programme will further strengthen bilateral relations. It will launch new joint projects and initiatives, create joint tourism business networks, develop projects to promote investment and develop tourism products," Bulgarian Tourism Minister Zaritsa Dinkova said.

During a meeting with her Greek counterpart Olga Kefalogianni, Dinkova said that mutual political trust has been deepening in recent years. "Trade and economic relations are developing, including at the regional level. Cooperation in culture and education has been fruitful. We also appreciate your support for Bulgaria's Schengen membership," she added.

"Tourism is a sector that offers new economic opportunities, and our cultural heritage connects people," Dinkova noted. "Our bilateral cooperation has been developing ever so rapidly. The number of Greek tourists in Bulgaria continues to grow, and Greece remains one of the most preferred destinations for Bulgarian tourists," the Minister added.

"Philoxenia Expo is an opportunity to create a platform aimed at unlocking our tourism potential and strengthening cross-border partnerships,” Dinkova said at the opening of the exhibition. "We are changing the growth model to a new more sustainable, eco-friendly, digital and inclusive one to enable the sector to face future challenges," she added.

Philoxenia Expo is one of the leading tourism events. The three-day exhibition brings together companies and organizations spanning the entire tourism industry. It showcases the latest offers from travel agencies and tour operators, accommodation and leisure facilities, tourism service providers, and local and international tourism organizations.