Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov held meetings with industry representatives, mayors, and regulatory authorities in Burgas and Sunny Beach

Today, Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov held meetings in Burgas and Sunny Beach resort with the regional governor of Burgas Province, Diko Dikov, mayors of Black Sea municipalities, representatives of institutions, regulatory authorities, and the tourism industry. The discussions focused primarily on preparations for the 2026 summer season, the need for faster coordination between institutions and the business sector, and the launch of tangible reforms in the sector.

“We will establish a Council for Tourism Reforms. The goal is to ensure faster communication with the industry and to organize it into groups, because if we want change, we must act quickly and effectively,” Minister Dimitrov stated.

During the meeting at the Burgas Regional Administration, the institutions reported that they were well prepared for the upcoming summer season. They discussed measures regarding beach safety, medical care, staffing shortages, infrastructure, and coordination among institutions during the peak tourist season.

“Preparing for the summer of 2026 and ensuring a strong season are our top priorities. Tourism is a key sector not only for Burgas but also for the country, and it requires constant attention and competitiveness,” said Regional Governor Diko Dikov.

Dr. Ilin Dimitrov emphasized that the complex situation is affecting the tourism sector and that he expects the season to replicate last summer’s results.

The Ministry of Tourism will work to restore the sector’s institutional standing, improve coordination between the government and the business community, and accelerate progress on key issues such as human resources, accessibility, international connectivity, and the marketing of Bulgaria.

Other topics discussed included:

streamlining procedures for seasonal employment;

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• problems with visa issuance and access for workers from third countries;
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• the need for better coordination of road repairs;
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• medical and lifeguard services along the Black Sea coast;
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• the need for legislative changes to the Tourism Act;
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• extending the season through sports and cultural events.

During the meeting in Sunny Beach, representatives of the tourism sector raised issues related to the shortage of staff, the need for more active international advertising, and the need for tourism tax revenue to be reinvested in the regions.

The idea of creating a special fund to support airlines and improve connectivity to the Black Sea coast was also discussed, as was the development of a tourism observatory that would use data analysis and artificial intelligence to monitor the quality of tourism products and tourists satisfaction.

The business community expressed support for the Ministry of Tourism’s new approach and anticipation of a more active and consistent government policy.

Sonya Enilova, Director of “Sunny Beach” AD, noted that the tourism sector needs a long-term strategy and a functional partnership with institutions so that Bulgaria can become a more competitive tourist destination in the region.

The meetings in Burgas and Sunny Beach are part of a series of discussions between the Ministry of Tourism, local authorities, and the tourism industry ahead of the busy summer season. Tomorrow, Minister Ilin Dimitrov will visit Varna and the Golden Sands resort.