20th Edition of International Cultural Tourism Fair Opens in Veliko Tarnovo

Konstantin Karagyozov

The forum brings together representatives of municipalities, state institutions, tourism companies, cultural institutes, chitalishte community centres, universities, NGOs, and artists from Bulgaria and abroad (BTA Photo/Marina Petrova)

Veliko Tarnovo, Central Bulgaria,

08.10.2025 16:05

(BTA)

The 20th anniversary edition of the Cultural Tourism international fair opened in Veliko Tarnovo on Wednesday. Over three days, the city will bring together representatives of municipalities, state institutions, tourism companies, cultural institutes, chitalishte community centres, universities, NGOs, and artists from Bulgaria and abroad. The forum is recognized as the country’s leading platform for showcasing cultural heritage, innovative tourism products, and successful partnerships between culture and tourism. This marks the twentieth consecutive year that the Ministry of Tourism has partnered in organizing the event.

Attending the opening, Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh said that the ministry is actively promoting Bulgaria as a year-round cultural tourism destination through national and international campaigns, digital platforms, themed routes, and partnerships between cultural and tourism organizations. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to sustainable tourism – one that preserves the authenticity of Bulgaria’s heritage while creating added value for local communities.

The Minister also noted that over the years, the event has become a signature initiative for Bulgaria, and the 2025 edition highlights the richness and diversity of intangible cultural heritage. He described the Cultural Tourism Fair as a “symbol of continuity and vision for the future,” adding that Bulgaria’s invaluable cultural heritage forms the foundation of its national identity and competitiveness as a destination. Borshosh expressed satisfaction that Veliko Tarnovo has hosted the forum for two decades, proving that culture is at the heart of tourism and a driver for regional development.

During the opening ceremony, Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Daniel Panov thanked Borshosh for his active support and for building stronger partnerships with Bulgarian municipalities. Panov stressed that effective cooperation between local and national authorities is key to the sector’s sustainable growth. “The Ministry of Tourism’s support for municipalities is essential for developing balanced, sustainable tourism across all regions of Bulgaria. Only through joint efforts can we showcase the country’s richness and generate even stronger interest in Bulgarian destinations,” Panov said.

Deputy Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva also addressed the event, noting that Bulgarian municipalities and the events they organize will be a priority in the ministry’s future promotional campaigns. She emphasized that tourism happens locally, in the municipalities, and therefore municipal promotion will be one of the main focuses of the national tourism advertising strategy. Georgieva said the campaign has already begun with seven promotional videos featuring Black Sea municipalities, with more in development. A session of the National Tourism Council later in 2025 will define the ministry’s advertising priorities. “There is no doubt that supporting municipalities and their local events remains one of our top priorities,” she added.

The promotional videos will be distributed not only in Bulgaria but also across international media channels under the ministry’s existing contracts. Georgieva expressed hope that a strong budget for national tourism promotion will be secured.

The programme of the event includes honorary awards for individuals and organizations contributing to the forum’s development, a national conference on intangible cultural heritage, and a ceremony recognizing the winners of a national student competition for Best Tourism Research Project.

/TM/