Deputy Minister Irena Georgieva takes part in the Security and Sustainability in Tourism roundtable in Slovenia

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Irena Georgieva took part in the Security and Sustainability in Tourism roundtable. The discussion forms part of the 11^th Strategic Forum, Safeguarding Our Future, which is being held in the town of Bled, Slovenia, on September 5 – 6, 2016. The tourism panel was opened by Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO.

„The tourism business faces numerous challenges. Therefore, the countries need to spend more effort to develop the tourism products they market“, noted Deputy Minister of Tourism, Irena Georgieva, in her speech. She commented that the global economic crisis, the enhanced competitiveness of both near and remote destinations, the effects of climate change, and the seasonal nature, are the topics that need to be resolved in order to develop the tourism business in a positive direction. Demographic changes in Europe, diversification of the tourist services offers, and the growing influence of information & communication technologies all exert influence on tourism and its related industries. „It is imperative to explore these opportunities jointly with the local and regional authorities“, she added further.

„When new tourism services are developed or existing ones are upgraded, it is necessary to carefully analyse what the consumer requirements at that particular point in time are“, Irena Georgieva indicated. She explained that a trend towards self-organized and so-called budget travels is observed, with demand for alternative types of tourism being on the rise. „In this context, today’s situation imposes on as determinants, such as high quality of the tourism service marketed, product sustainability, innovations, staff training, etc.,“ Deputy Minister Georgieva added.

According to her, despite global challenges, Bulgaria has started the summer season very well. At present data indicates that the high level achieved will also be kept in September. High-category facilities are full, with available beds hard to find in the other recreation facilities as well. During the first 7 months of 2016 alone, our country was visited by over 4.5 mil. international tourists, which is nearly 17 % more (over 650 000 visits more) vis-à-vis the first 7 months of 2015, Deputy Minister Irena Georgieva announced.