“Destination Balkans” brings together four ministers from two countries in Sofia

On the initiative of the Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism, a meeting was held in Sofia to mark the beginning of talks on "Destination Balkans" and the creation of a common tourism product and direct air connectivity between Sofia and Podgorica. At the meeting, Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshos and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadzhov discussed with the Ministers of Tourism and Transport of Montenegro Simonida Kordic and Maja Vukicevic the steps for opening a direct air route between the two Balkan countries. The ministers from both countries agreed to nominate a working group from the four ministries to actively work towards establishing a direct air link between the two countries.

Minister Borshosh stressed that cooperation between the Balkan countries is an important prerequisite for better positioning of the region and for building its positive image on the world tourism scene. "With the signing of the joint plan with Montenegro and the concept of Destination Balkans, we show that we can work together to create an integrated tourism product that will attract tourists from distant markets," he said. Minister Borshosh added that the Balkans are not just a geographical region - they are a bridge between cultures, history and traditions. Proof of which are the UNESCO monuments, which in Bulgaria alone are 10 natural and cultural sites.

It was underlined at the meeting that the integrated tourism product between the Balkan countries will be beneficial not only for tourism but also for the overall economic development of the region. "Destination Balkans" aims to unite the efforts of the Balkan countries in offering common tourism packages aimed at attracting visitors from distant countries such as Japan, USA, China, India, Latin America, etc. In addition, the initiative to create air connectivity between the Balkan capitals, such as the opening of a direct Sofia - Podgorica route in 2025, will facilitate not only tourist travel but also business links, consolidating the region as a single, competitive and sustainable destination.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadzhov said that at the level of the Ministry of Transport he will provide full support and assistance for the launch of a direct air line between Sofia and Podgorica. "The European market is liberalised and we have all the conditions for an air link between us, and it would significantly contribute to the development of tourism and economic contacts," Deputy Prime Minister Karadzhov stressed.

He noted that the goal is to attract more ridership so that the line is economically viable. "On the other hand, Sofia Airport offers price reductions for travel between emerging destinations, which is a good incentive for companies," added Grozdan Karadzhov.

The Minister of Tourism of Montenegro, Simonida Kordic, stressed that authenticity, hospitality and contact with nature are only part of what the Balkan tourism product can offer to tourists. "Tourists need a digital detox that the Balkans can offer them," she said. “Air connectivity is very important for us and it is important for us that this happens as soon as possible,” said also Montenegrin Transport Minister Maja Vukicevic.

The meeting between the ministers of tourism and transport of the two countries is an important step towards the realisation of the vision of "Destination Balkans" and is a key element for the sustainable development of tourism in the region.