site.btaUPDATED Tourism Minister Dimitrov: Turkiye Priority Partner of Bulgaria in Tourism

"I believe that events like today's are a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the friendly ties between our peoples, including in the field of tourism - one of the most important sectors for the Bulgarian economy," caretaker Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov said Thursday at the opening of the International Business and Investment Forum in Istanbul, organized by the InvestBulgaria Agency. 

Turkiye is a priority partner of Bulgaria in the sector and the importance of bilateral relations will become more and more tangible in view of the current challenges, Dimitrov said, adding that in recent years there have been many beneficial events where meaningful contacts have been established and many interesting proposals have been discussed.

"We are going to hold the 4th session of the Bulgarian-Turkish Joint Tourism Committee again in Istanbul in two weeks. Turkiye has been among the top three in terms of incoming tourists to Bulgaria in recent years. These figures clearly show that the market has very serious dynamics, but it is important to take into account that there is still serious potential for development, Dimitrov said.

He announced that Bulgaria will have a tourism attaché in Turkey starting in February.

Dimitrov thanked Ambassador Angel Cholakov for his personal dedication and efforts to promote Bulgaria as a tourist destination on the Turkish market.

"The forthcoming opening of a direct flight connection between Istanbul and Plovdiv (South Bulgaria) is a prime example of the fruitful work of our diplomatic team. Another wonderful news is the construction of a new BTA office in Ankara, which will certainly contribute to our working in a more productive information environment. At the same time, it will play an important role in establishing new cultural ties between our two friendly peoples," Minister Dimitrov pointed out.

"Tourism is a sector that finds integration with many other economic spheres and I am extremely happy that we are here together with our colleagues [Innovation and Growth Minister Alexander] Pulev and [Health Minister Assen] Medjidiev, said Dimitrov, adding that this is another proof of the targeted state policy towards the overall development of bilateral relations.