Despite being one of the richest countries in terms of tourist attractions, Bulgaria remains one of the least known tourist destinations, Vice President of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova said during the Brand Bulgaria – Wonders of UNESCO forum, organized by the Standard newspaper. The Friday forum took place in preparation for Bulgaria hosting the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
“We have talked a lot about connecting cultural heritage with tourism. We have consulted with experts in tourism, culture, and education. However, we have not yet found the right team in the Ministry of Tourism to create the best plan for this integration,” Iotova said.
She noted that the issue is not about creating a single tourist site but establishing a comprehensive framework to showcase tourist routes.
CULTURAL TOURISM IS IMPORTANT
“Bulgaria has a well-developed tourism sector, but it is not cultural tourism. Bulgaria targets the wrong type of tourists”, said caretaker Minister of Culture Nayden Todorov. He believes that the country has forgotten its heritage and potential.
“We want to change this – we want to talk about the good things in Bulgaria. We have a great history and great potential, but what we need is to remember that,” Todorov explained. “I hope that by this time next year, we will be prouder to call ourselves Bulgarians,” he added.
OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT BULGARIA TO THE WORLD
“In a few months, Bulgaria will host the 47th session of UNESCO. Over 4,000 high-level representatives from nearly 200 countries are expected to attend. Based on the attendance at the last two similar events in Saudi Arabia and Delhi, the number of participants is likely to be even higher”, publisher of the Standard newspaper Slavka Bozukova said.
She highlighted that the upcoming session is significant as it marks UNESCO’s 80th anniversary and Bulgaria’s 40th year since last hosting the UNESCO General Assembly, thus, it offers a chance to showcase new cultural heritage sites.
THE PROPOSALS
Other officials and stakeholders spoke about Bulgaria’s rich cultural and historical heritage as a key asset for tourism, proposing sites like the salt pans in Provadia and the St Sophia Church in Sofia for UNESCO recognition. They stressed the need for a clear national strategy, the importance of intangible heritage, and local municipalities’ role in promoting the country’s cultural wealth. Sofia’s deputy mayor highlighted ongoing strategies to integrate art and tourism into urban development.
“I propose we issue a declaration to all parliamentary parties and those running in the elections on October 27, with a clear demand that Brand Bulgaria be included in their political programmes with specific funding,” said deputy chair of the National Tourism Board Martin Zahariev. He mentioned that the required budget exceeds EUR 5 million and should be allocated within the budgets of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism.
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