Minister Ilin Dimitrov discussed with the UAE Ambassador the opportunities for improving air connectivity with distant markets and for partnership in tourism education

The Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov and the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Bulgaria  H.E. Abdulrahman Ahmed Sultan Essa Al Jaber discussed the possibilities for improving Bulgaria's direct air connectivity with distant markets through global aviation hubs in the UAE.

The conversation discussed the possibility of starting an institutional and business dialogue regarding a potential direct air route between Sofia and Abu Dhabi. Minister Dimitrov proposed establishing working contacts with Etihad Airways and expressed readiness to organize a meeting with representatives of the airline, Bulgarian institutions and the tourism business next week.

"We will assist in establishing a direct dialogue between the airlines, the airport and the tourism business," Minister Dimitrov said. The Minister emphasized that the Bulgarian side has an active tourism sector and tour operators who are interested in participating in assessing the potential of such a connection. It is important for Bulgaria to maintain competitive access to distant markets in Asia, Africa, Australia and the Middle East.

Ambassador Al Jaber described the idea as an excellent opportunity and committed to representing Bulgarian interests to Etihad Airways.

The two sides also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation with other UAE airlines, including flydubai and Air Arabia. The aim is to explore various market solutions to improve the country's frequency, capacity and access to international routes with a single connection via the UAE.

During the meeting, the possibility of universities from the UAE joining the Association of Higher Education Schools that prepare personnel for the tourism sector, which is being created at the initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, was also discussed. The proposal envisages the exchange of students and teachers, sharing of good practices and building a closer connection between tourism education and business.

Ambassador Al Jaber expressed full support for the development of the educational partnership and willingness to present the initiative to universities in the UAE.