For the 36^th time, from February 14^th to the 16^th, Sofia’s Inter Expo Centre is hosting the Holiday & Spa Expo International Tourist Fair with the participation of hotel and tour operators, and tourist destinations in 25 countries, more than 380 exhibitors in all. 

The focus this year is on balneo and spa tourism destinations, and that is the reason why there are many medical centres and clinics taking part. The exposition demonstrates the latest products and technologies connected with beauty and spa centre, and hotel equipment. Cultural institutions, regional associations, museums, municipalities, embassies, airlines are also presenting new services and events. Wine connoisseurs will be able to see products from winemakers from all across the country or go to wine tastings. People who plan their summer vacation early on will be able to make advance reservations at bargain prices at the stalls of different travel agencies and hotels.

“This exposition is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the potential of Bulgarian tourism. It is huge, and, for three successive years, we have been reaping the fruit of our joint efforts,” said Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova at the opening, and predicted a dynamic year for the tourism industry. She also spoke of a new initiative by her ministry called “Naturally in Bulgaria – 2019, year of domestic tourism”. The initiative aims to popularize travels within the country and some lesser known tourist sites in Bulgaria:

“I would like to thank all people who are joining the initiative because it will showcase balneo and spa tourist, winemaking and culinary traditions, our cultural and historical heritage, as well as adventure and religious tourism opportunities. It shall also help upgrade summer and winter tourism. Around 3,700,000 overnight stays by Bulgarians were registered last year, or an increase of 2.3 percent, a fact proving how important it is to showcase the beauty of Bulgaria.”

Minister Angelkova pointed out that the good results are due to the efforts by the tourist sector, but also by municipalities and the government, and added that the work will continue because it is important for the image of Bulgaria. The international investment forum, due on 30^th and 31^st of May in Sunny Beach on the Black Sea, will acquaint international entrepreneurs with the investment opportunities in the tourist sector. Popularizing Bulgaria as a congress tourism destination is a priority for the Ministry of Tourism, as conditions in the country for this kind of tourism are very good. Nikolina Angelkova says that, besides in big cities, there is no obstacle to developing congress tourism in seaside and mountain resorts on the periphery of the summer and the winter season – April-May and October-November.

English version: Milena Daynova