site.btaMunicipal Cultural Programs Boost National Tourism, Says Deputy Chair of Parliamentary Tourism Committee

The cultural programs organized by municipalities are giving a strong boost to national tourism, said Lyuben Dilov, Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism. He was speaking at a BTA-organized forum in the resort town of Pomorie at the start of the the new holiday season on Sunday.

Discussions on amendments to the Tourism Act are in full swing – all proposals from the industry are included, even some competing ones, and there will be at least 28 days between the first and second readings, Dilov said.

He pointed out that the law governing national resorts in Bulgaria is outdated and still operates under a decree from the 1970s, which grants national resort status solely based on air quality, as determined by the Ministry of Health. “As a result, Kotel is a national resort, while Bansko is not,” he remarked.

Dilov emphasized the importance of cultural calendars during the summer season for tourism.

“These calendars give a powerful impulse to national tourism. Each year, the cultural calendar becomes more impressive. If only the opening concert of the season in Pomorie had been better promoted, it could have drawn four times the audience,” he noted. Dilov cited strong cultural programs in Sveti Vlas, Tsarevo, Primorsko, and Nessebar, highlighting their growing appeal to international audiences, especially in Sveti Vlas.

“Our efforts are focused on ensuring that the Ministry of Tourism plays a leading role in identifying archaeological sites with tourism potential. The idea is for tourism to be the driving force and to say – these 25 sites are essential because they can attract visitors,” Dilov explained. He mentioned Perperikon, Pliska, and Byala as just a few examples among many.

According to him, the goal is to create a joint initiative emphasizing cultural and historical heritage as an integral part of the tourism product.