site.btaThis Winter's First Israeli Tourists Arrive at Sofia Airport

Bulgaria's first Israeli tourists of the new winter season arrived at Sofia Airport on an El Al flight on Friday. During a special ceremony on the occasion, Israeli Consul in Bulgaria Orly Dafna Sona said this country is a preferred travel destination for the people of Israel. According to her, 250,000 Israelis visit Bulgaria annually, in summer and winter. This considerable number of tourists says a lot about the close relationship between the two peoples, the Consul said.

According to her, Israel's ties with Bulgaria are unique and have a long history. Next year will be special: it will be the 80th anniversary of the rescue of the Bulgarian Jews from deportation to Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Israeli tourists have a chance to visit many landmarks here, the Consul said.

Deputy Culture Minister Mariela Modeva said Israel is a very promising market for Bulgaria. She noted that the two countries have a tradition of very warm relations which go beyond the standard diplomatic and business ties.

The winter tourist season in Bulgaria will be opened officially on Saturday, Modeva said.

Sofia Airport CEO Jesus Caballero Pinto said El Al is a very important partner to the airport. The carrier plans to increase its traffic to/from Sofia and to use Bulgaria's main airport as a home base for its new cutting-edge Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the CEO said.