Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov met with European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas

During a working visit to Brussels, Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov held talks with European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas and participated in an official meeting, organized by the European Commission in connection with discussions on future European tourism policy and the EU’s new multiannual financial framework.

Minister Dimitrov presented Bulgaria’s priorities in the areas of tourism, education, and the sustainable development of the sector. The discussion focused on the need for stronger European support for transport connectivity, the development of innovation, the training of qualified personnel, and the strengthening of the link between education and the tourism industry.

The minister presented two official invitations to Commissioner Tzitzikostas.

The first is an invitation to participate in the official launch of an association of higher education institutions offering tourism programmes in Bulgaria. The initiative aims to position our country as a Balkan and European center/hub for training tourism professionals, with a focus on innovation, scientific exchange, and the development of future leaders in the sector.

The second invitation concerns the organization of a high-level forum on “Mega Events and Tourism” during the Eurovision 2027 contest.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas congratulated Bulgaria on its success with Eurovision and welcomed our country’s active role in the European debate on the future of tourism.

During the meeting, the desire for Bulgaria’s enhanced participation in the development of new European policies and financial instruments in support of tourism was reaffirmed.

Photo credit © European Union 2026