Minister Nikolina Angelkova opened the International Exhbit “Cultural Tourism 2015” in Veliko Tarnovo

60% of world travelers are interested in culture and cultural heritage while data by the World Tourism Organization indicates that in 2020 cultural tourism will be one of the leading forms of tourism. This is what Minister Angelkova said during the opening of the XII International Tourist Exhibit "Cultural Tourism 2015" in Veliko Tarnovo. This is why possibilities for cultural and historical tourism are a focus in the country’s promotional campaign for 2015.

Data for 2014 show that about 40% of Bulgarians have traveled abroad for cultural tourism purposes while those who have traveled in the country on cultural tourism amount to 30%. “Our ambition is to turn this tendency around”, stressed Nikolina Angelkova.  

Bulgaria is a leading country in the number of historical sites and artifacts discovered on its territory. “We need to make consistent efforts to promote this treasure. Bulgaria has plenty to offer both Bulgarian and foreign tourists. I’m convinced that the Veliko Tarnovo exhibit will help us achieve these goals,” added Angelkova. According to the Minister the country will thus respond to the tendency for cultural tourism growth on a world scale, also the approaching Easter and school holidays are a good occasion for encouraging traveling within the country.  Early bookings for this period indicate greater interest in our Northern Black Sea by Romanian citizens. Meanwhile the heavy snowfalls prolonged the winter season and our mountain resorts have registered a great demand for the upcoming holidays, primarily by Bulgarians and by citizens from the neighboring countries. "This is a good chance for us to introduce them  to the Bulgarian culture and history. I am sure that the theVeliko Tarnovo trade fair will showcase many such ideas”, added the Minister of Tourism. 

The International Tourist Exhibit "Cultural Tourism 2015" is held in the Rafael Mihaylov exhibit halls in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism. This is the biggest international exhibit in Bulgaria for specialized tourism which lasts until 4 April and has an extensive accompanying program. The organizers include the Veliko Tarnovo municipality and the Tsarevgrad Tarnov municipal agency in partnership with the Bulgarian Hotel & Restaurant Association and the Association of the Bulgarian Tour Operators and Tourist Agencies. 78 Bulgarian and foreign representatives took part in the exhibit. The Ministry of Tourism showcased a national promotional stand of 40 sq.m. featuring 5 exhibitors from tourist regions, cultural institutions, municipalities etc. Some of the other participants included the United Arab Emirates, Croatia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, China, Greece, Russia, Romania, Macedonia, Morocco and Korea. Discussions, a film festival entitled “On the Eastern Coast of Europe”, a national “Read and Travel” competition, concerts and various attractions are also part of the exhibit’s program.