site.btaTourism Set to Thrive after Euro Adoption, Say Mayors and Experts

Tourism is expected to develop well in Bulgaria following the adoption of the euro, as it will create opportunities to attract more foreign tourists and investors. This country should take advantage of the chance to promote itself as an eco-friendly destination with historical landmarks and cultural events. The view was shared by mayors and tourism industry experts who participated in a discussion titled "The Euro, the Environment, and Sustainable Tourism: New Horizons in a Common Currency." The event was held at the Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) on Tuesday.

“The state must invest in strong advertising and target foreign countries,” commented Ognyan Atanasov, the Mayor of Kyustendil, who believes Bulgaria is not sufficiently represented abroad. He expects tourist flows to increase after the euro is adopted. “By joining the eurozone, we become a more predictable partner,” Atanasov added.

“There should be no misleading advertising; investments must be made in transport connectivity, wastewater treatment plants, and healthcare,” said Marin Kirov, Mayor of Tsarevo. “With the euro, we become a more preferred and recognizable destination for foreign investors and tourists,” he believes. Since the prospect of adopting the euro became realistic, a Korean investor has appeared in Tsarevo Municipality, planning to build a multi-speciality hospital, which is directly related to the currency, the mayor noted. “The euro is a unifying element that will provide a wide platform for promotion,” he also said.

The discussion on the development of sustainable tourism in the context of euro adoption was opened by Atanas Kostadinov, Deputy Minister of Environment and Water. Speeches were also made by Irena Georgieva, Deputy Minister of Tourism, and Metodi Metodiev, Deputy Minister of Finance.