Minister Angelkova and diplomats celebrated the World Tourism Day

Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova celebrated the World Tourism Day with representatives of the diplomatic corps. On the eve of 27 September, when all Member States of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) celebrate the date, trees were planted in Sofia South Park on behalf of the ambassadors of the countries that represent the largest markets for tourism in Bulgaria.

The World Tourism Day has been celebrated since the eighties of the 20^th century, when UNWTO was founded. Since that time tourism has become a very important part of the economy of the countries, not only a holiday activity. Another fact evidencing the importance of this sector is the fact that for three years we have had an independent Ministry of Tourism, Minister Angelkova further said. She underlined that the Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and the government seriously support the industry and it is among the priorities of the national administration.

I want to personally thank each one of you for our cooperation throughout the years, which we will continue to develop, said Minister Angelkova in her address to the diplomats. She also thanked the Mayor of Sofia Municipality Yordanka Fandakova and the Deputy Mayor Dr. Todor Chobanov for the beautiful terrain in the South Park, where the trees will be planted as a symbol of the international partnership in tourism. She also expressed her gratitude to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Rumen Porozhanov for the donated trees.

Minister Angelkova pointed out that tourism is one of the engines for the development of the Bulgarian and world economy. Each country, regardless of its size, has its importance for the development of the sector on a global level, she said.

Thank you and your compatriots, who come on holiday in Bulgaria and return in the next year with their families and friends. This is the best advertising for our country. We want to provide a high-quality product and hospitality. Nikolina Angelkova thanked for the support provided by foreign diplomats in the efforts and initiatives of the Bulgarian tourist administration to develop a sustainable sector. As a result of these fruitful relations the country becomes an increasingly recognizable destination for four seasons, the minister said.

H.M. Stefano Baldi, ambassador of Italy in Sofia, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and stressed that much has been achieved so far in the course of this partnership. He thanked for the numerous meetings, where so many positive ideas have been shared. The diplomat said that the number of tourists between the two countries has increased as a result of this cooperation and potential for an even more intensive development exists. 

The ambassador of the USA in Bulgaria H.M. Eric Rubin welcomed the initiative and the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism to focus on the sustainable development of the industry. He congratulated our country for the success in the development of the summer and winter tourism and reassured the audience that the two countries will work even harder to attract more US tourists in Bulgaria.