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Minister Nikolina Angelkova opened the biggest Bulgarian-Indian Golf Tournament "Meeting of the Champions with Shiv Kapur"
Minister Nikolina Angelkova took part in the opening of the biggest Bulgarian-Indian Golf Tournament "Meeting of the Champions with Shiv Kapur". The official opening was attended by H.E. the Ambassador of India in Bulgaria Rajesh Kumar Sachdeva, the governor of Dobrich Margarita Novoselska , the Vice President of the Bulgarian Golf Association Georgi Chuklev and others.
"Such initiatives attract international attention to Bulgaria. They bring together business representatives, tour operators, airline representatives and are a great opportunity for the promotion and recognition of our country as a golf destination" said Minister Angelkova during the official opening. She stated that golf tourism as well as other specialized types of tourism such as cultural and historical, wine, gourmet, etc. can promote our country as a year-round tourist destination, and today's event will strengthen the cooperation between Bulgaria and India.
Nikolina Angelkova also added that India is a very large and promising market and is part of the Ministry’s long-term marketing strategy. "I hope that in five years’ time we will be able to establish ourselves on the Indian market. The fact that that in recent months some of the biggest movie stars of Bollywood came to Bulgaria and today we find ourselves among some of the best Indian professional golfers is indicative of the Indian interest in our country," said Minister Angelkova. She also stated that Bollywood celebrities Shahrukh Khan, Kajol and Ajay Devgan have not only appreciated the assets of our country, but have also become Bulgaria’s friends and informal ambassadors. "We are trying to increase the tourist flow from India. Right now we are focused on the development of golf tourism. I hope that Indian golfers will continue to come to Bulgaria and that by the end of this year their number will further increase, "said Minister Angelkova.
The tournament’s guest of honour Shiv Kapur, dubbed also one of India’s best professional golfers, said he was pleased to visit the country and would love to promote Bulgaria to his compatriots. "Your country has a lot of potential. Bulgarian golf courses are world-class. I'll some back to train here for other big tournaments," he added.
"Each year 20 million Indians travel abroad and estimates are that by 2020 this number will reach 50 million people. In fact, we are one of the fastest growing tourist markets, and Bulgaria has real chances to increase significantly the number of Indian tourists, "said Ambassador Sachdeva. According to him the visit of some of the greatest Bollywood stars in Bulgaria is a good way to promote Bulgaria in the Indian market.
He also mentioned that the premiere of the Bollywood production filmed in Bansko set a record of 50 million US dollars revenue in just 10 days. "I want to thank Minister Angelkova for her support and cooperation”, said ambassador Sachdeva.
The Golf Tournament "Meeting of the Champions with Shiv Kapur" will continue until 2nd September and about 40 golfers from Europe and Asia will compete for the first prize.
