Caretaker Minister Dr Ilin Dimitrov took office

At an inauguration ceremony, caretaker minister Dr Ilin Dimitrov took over from outgoing minister Hristo Prodanov in the 100th government of the Republic of Bulgaria.

“Today, I accept the position of caretaker Minister of Tourism with the job ahead in mind and with a clear understanding of the responsibilities and important tasks ahead, the challenges facing the tourism sector and the expectations with which our team is charged.” With these words Minister Dimitrov addressed his predecessor, extending his gratitude for the work done so far and for the good institutional cooperation with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Tourism, which Ilin Dimitrov headed in the 47th National Assembly.

In his opening remarks, the caretaker minister outlined some of the most urgent tasks ahead. In his words, everything possible should be done as a matter of urgency to speed up the accountability of the Humanitarian Assistance Programme for Displaced Persons from Ukraine. The other priority task is to solve the problems with the delayed categorization of tourist sites. We must also be ready to secure the work of the tourism sector in case of a strong wave of COVID-19 in the autumn, Minister Dimitrov stressed. There will be active work in preparation for the winter season and helping the industry to negotiate for summer 2023.

The caretaker minister said he is planning concrete measures and actions on a number of topical issues and policies that will support and strengthen businesses in the tourism sector - such as active work and meetings with industry organisations, a smart digital advertising campaign, partnerships with international organisations and many other concrete steps.

The outgoing Minister of Tourism Hristo Prodanov wished success to the caretaker minister and stressed that he leaves in good hands an orderly ministry.

“I am very pleased to welcome Ilin Dimitrov, who until recently was the Chairman of the Tourism Committee. I believe that we will have continuity in our sector. The tourism industry knows him and accepts him well. I am happy to leave the ministry in safe hands,” the outgoing minister said.

He handed Minister Ilin Dimitrov an icon of St. George with the wish to protect him and help him in the important mission he is undertaking.