site.btaTourism Minister, Elena Mayor Discuss Connectivity, Infrastructure and Skilled Labour as Key Factors for Local Tourism Development

Connectivity, infrastructure and the availability of qualified labour were identified as the three key factors for developing tourism in Bulgaria’s municipalities during a Sunday meeting between Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh and Elena Mayor Dilyan Mlazev, the Tourism Ministry said in a press release. The discussion took place at the Elena municipal hall on the eve of the town’s traditional of the Elenski But (a type of dry-cured meat).

The two officials discussed opportunities for better integration of Elena into the national tourism promotion strategy, as well as state support for the implementation of several local projects.

Borshosh said that joint efforts could turn Elena into “a sustainable example of balanced development combining culture, nature and entrepreneurship”.

Mayor Mlazev stressed the municipality offered a solid tourism base with over 2,900 beds, with most visitors arriving during holidays and weekends. He noted that the town hosted festivals, cultural events and art workshops, which contributed to its high visitor numbers, while the Elenski But Festival remained an emblematic event attracting thousands of guests each year.

The meeting also addressed the need for stronger oversight of unregistered tourist accommodations, as well as for improving the registration system and the collection of the local tourism tax.

Borshosh assured that the Tourism Ministry would include Elena in national promotional campaigns and help popularize future regional tourism routes developed in partnership with neighbouring municipalities.