Minister Angelkova holds work meeting with Peter Lochbihler, director of Public Affairs of booking.com

The Minister of Tourism, Nikolina Angelkova, held a work meeting with Peter Lochbihler, director of Public Affairs of booking.com, which took place during the Global Economic Forum held in the Swiss town of Davos. The main discussion topics included the investment opportunities in Bulgaria. Minister Angelkova showcased to her interlocutor the advantageous conditions for tourism investments available in our country. An important advantage of Bulgaria in this regard is the low corporate tax rate. Tourism also makes important contribution to the economy, commented the Minister, indicating that revenues in the sector for the first 11 months of 2017 amount to BGN 6,6 bil., the sector’s share in the GDP being nearly 13%.

Minister Angelkova and Mr. Lochbihler also commented the opportunities for joint initiatives going forward. She emphasized that the Ministry is working consistently to promote the country as a year-round destination and establish it as a place to visit in all four seasons.

We agreed to mutually provide information about unfair competition. Furthermore, the Ministry of Tourism will inspect whether all accommodation locations listed on Booking are registered under the Tourism Act, said Minister Angelkova.

There are 10 000 Bulgaria accommodation locations in Booking’s network. The website helps on the one hand businesses market their products, while on the other it helps consumers easily search and select where to stay, always relying on genuine information, said the Minister, adding that this makes it easier for people to get to know the world, for businesses to improve their products, and for us to promote Bulgaria as a competitive and interesting destination.

Mr. Lochbihler expressed hope that joint projects may be discussed going forward, to stimulate the development of the tourism sector and enhance the recognition of Bulgaria as a destination offering a high-grade tourism product.