Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh on an official visit to Burgas

Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh held two key working meetings today in Burgas Municipality - with the Mayor of the city Dimitar Nikolov and with representatives of the tourism sector in the region.

During the meetings, key issues related to the extension of the tourist season, the easing of the visa regime, the improvement of the infrastructure and the strategic positioning of Burgas and Bulgaria on the international tourism market were discussed.

Among the priority measures for the development of the sector, Mayor Nikolov highlighted the support for regular and charter flights in the off-season. "We are expecting more flights outside the active summer season, with the aim of increasing hotel occupancy in the transitional months. By October 10 the sea is still at excellent temperatures and Bulgaria has all the conditions to attract more tourists outside the peak summer period," Dimitar Nikolov said.  

Among the main topics was the easing of visa procedures for tourists from strategic markets, as well as the need to improve infrastructure and more effective mechanisms to attract qualified staff from third countries.

The Minister stressed that tourism is of strategic importance not only for the economy but also for the development of the regions and the demography of the country. In this regard, he announced that a change in the Tourism Act is imminent and the industry will have the opportunity to make proposals in the coming months to create a more effective legal framework.

Tourism organisations and associations have called for tighter controls on unfair practices in the sector, including unregistered tour operators and guides. In turn, the minister said he would pursue an uncompromising policy towards the informal economy in tourism.  "Controls are to be strengthened and coordination with the competent institutions improved," he added.

Miroslav Borshosh committed the Ministry of Tourism to be an active partner of the tourism sector and the local authorities to ensure the sustainable development of the region. "Burgas and the management of Mayor Nikolov have long proven to be a shining example of how local government should work. The candidacy for the European Capital of Culture 2032 is an exceptional test and will put the city on the world map," the Tourism Minister stressed.

 "Burgas and the Southern Black Sea Coast are the engine of Bulgarian tourism. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but together we will find solutions for the development of the sector and making Bulgaria an even more competitive destination on the international market," Minister Borshosh said at the media briefing after the meetings with the mayor and the industry.