The head of Russian tourism to Minister Angelkova: Russia is interested to see its tourists spend their vacations in Bulgaria

Russia is interested to see its tourists spend their vacations inBulgaria. This was stated by Oleg Safonov, head of the Russian Federation’s Federal Agency for Tourismat a meeting with the Tourism Minister, Nikolina Angelkova, adding that this year Russian tourists are expected to grow in number. The two conversed during Intourmarket, the international tourism fair in Moscow, where Bulgariawas presented with a national stand. MinisterAngelkova indicated that Russia is among the strategic tourism markets for Bulgaria, ranking 5^th last year in terms of number of visits to our country, with nearly 558 000 visits. During this year’s January Russian tourists to our countrywere over 9 600.

The Visit Russia national marketing centre is expected to be unveiled in Bulgaria this year, stated the Minister. The idea about the Centre, which will accelerate the development of tourism between the two countries, has come from the Bulgarian minister.

Oleg Safonov commented further that ways are being sought to deepen cooperation in the sector. One of these opportunities is to have joint action in cruise tourism, which will be discussed by a joint task group. A promising idea is also to create and assert a Black Sea cuisine project, said Safonov. He and Minister Angelkova were united around the idea that such initiatives would be very beneficial in attracting more Russian tourists.

The 2^nd International Congress on World Civilizations and Ancient Routes will be held in Sofia in November this year, announced Minister Angelkova, inviting Mr. Safonov to take part.

Bulgariaand the Russian Federation’s Federal Agency for Tourism have traditions in partnering in initiatives supporting tourism development.