We are expecting even better performance in tourism during the summer season and the entire 2014. It has been already concluded by the Bulgarian statistics (NSI) and the data provided by the World Tourism Organization to the United Nations. For the first quarter this year, we have reached a total growth of 4.1% in the sector, and just for April, the NSI indicates over 20,8% growth of the hotel accommodation in Bulgaria, which is an excessive achievement. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Economy in charge for Tourism Department Branimir Botev. He pointed out that during the first four months of 2014, the growth of Ukrainian tourists in Bulgaria has been of 14% in comparison with the same period of 2013, as per the information submitted by the NSI.
Generally, Bulgarian tourism is in an upward trend and it is important to increase that speed by parallel diversification of the proposed services and products, it became clear from Botevs’words. Our country has a huge potential - sunny sea, high mountains, plenty of thermal mineral water, rich cultural heritage, varied and preserved nature. All this should be promoted on the international markets in the best manner, which, on the other hands, requires comprehensive efforts by the administration and business.
Botev stressed that the strategy adopted by the Government until 2030 considers the tourism as a structural industry for Bulgaria with the highest and sustainable growth. He said that the document will be the basis for consolidating the views of all stakeholders because it has been prepared with the participation of academics, universities and industry. The primary emphasis is place on its diversification. The sea saturation has reached its maximum, we have a huge potential in the mineral waters, cultural heritage, year-round mountain tourism, ecotourism, etc. The strategy, however, should be followed by its action plan – the National Master Plan. We have received an official confirmation by the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization His Excellency Taleb Rifai on their readiness to elaborate this Master Plan for Bulgaria. This is the highest possible quality seal for its achievements, said the Deputy Minister.