The Ministry of Tourism presented the Programme for financing the Black Sea municipalities

For the first time, a partnership tool is being implemented with businesses, municipalities, tour operators and airports and decisive steps are being taken to restore confidence to work together. This shows a political will to increase competitiveness and to develop towards decentralisation. The funding is linked to public investment to promote Bulgarian tourism and through this reform the state, local authorities and the private sector are brought together. In this way, spending is controlled through greater transparency and efficiency.

With the opening of "Programme for financing of marketing activities of tourist services in the Black Sea municipalities in Bulgaria", the government makes a clear statement for a reliable and committed partner of the business. This is what the Minister of Tourism Zaritza Dinkova said at a press conference.

"Co-funding by the business community enables funds to be pooled and increased, meaning taxpayers' money is directed towards business development and more revenue. This is an important advantage set in the Programme and the resources are not wasted", Minister Dinkova pointed out. The Ministry of Tourism has reacted to the European recommendations regarding Bulgaria and this is precisely the correct allocation of funds for state advertising by taking real action. The aim is to make Bulgaria a modern and preferred destination.

Currently, the target group is the Black Sea municipalities, but it is planned to extend and develop the reform according to the specificities of other regions such as the Rhodope Mountains, the Rose Valley and others.

The total amount of funds for the implementation of the Procedure is BGN 5,000,000, financed from the state budget, through the budget of the Ministry of Tourism. The state finances 60% , up to BGN 400,000, 40% is co-financed by businesses and municipalities. Actions are aimed at expanding the active tourist season on the Black Sea coast, as well as working with the markets of Germany, Poland, Hungary, Scandinavian countries and the UK.