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UN Tourism Completes Official Visit to Bulgaria and Welcomes Hristo Stoichkov as New Ambassador
The
UN Tourism official visit, led by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, was
welcomed by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov for an official visit that included
high-level meetings with the Ministries of Tourism and Foreign Affairs.
Meetings focused on how UN Tourism can support the further growth and
diversification of Bulgaria’s tourism sector, most notably through the
development of cultural, culinary and wine tourism. In an official meeting with
President Rumen Radev, both parties focused on supporting tourism education and
growing investment into the sector, with UN Tourism committed to publishing
guidelines for international investors.
Secretary-General
Pololikashvili commended Bulgaria for its commitment to responsible and
inclusive growth. He said: “The Republic of Bulgaria has established itself as
one of Europe’s most exciting tourism destinations. With UN Tourism, its focus
on education and training and growing investments into the sector will serve as
the solid foundations for long-term sustainable growth, both in urban centres
as well as rural communities.”
Ballon
d'Or winner Stoichkov joins UN Tourism
In
Sofia, UN Tourism officially appointed Bulgarian sports legend Hristo Stoichkov
its newest Special Ambassador for Sports Tourism. Over the course of his
career, he represented Barcelona Football Club, won the Golden Boot at the 1994
World Cup and played in Italy, Saudi Arabia and the USA. Since retiring from
the game, he has worked tirelessly as a philanthropist and a supporter of youth
empowerment through sport.
As
a Special Ambassador, Stoichkov will help further advance UN Tourism’s work on
growing sports tourism as a driver of inclusive opportunity and economic
diversification. He will also bring his influence and insights into UN
Tourism’s work to promote tourism education in schools everywhere and make the
sector a key pillar of opportunity for global youth.
Wine
tourism and education central to growth
Also
in Sofia, the UN Tourism leadership met with Miroslav Borshosh, Minister of
Tourism of Bulgaria, to sign a Letter of Intent for future cooperation. With
Bulgaria having entered into the Schengen Zone at the start of 2025, with an
expected upturn in arrivals, the two parties will work to grow and direct
investments into Bulgaria’s tourism sector, a key priority for UN Tourism and
its Member States both in Europe and globally. The discussions explored the
potential for an Investment Forum to be held in Bulgaria, recognizing its
status as a regional leader.
The
enhanced collaboration will also focus on another key priority for the sector,
promoting education and continued training in the sector. At the same time, the
growing importance of spa tourism was discussed, recognizing the natural
resources of the country. Finally, with a focus on supporting the
diversification and rural development, the two parties agreed that the 9th
edition of the UN Tourism Global Wine Tourism Conference will be held in the
city of Plovdiv, with the date to be confirmed.
UN
Tourism and Bulgaria: Strengthened partnership
Meetings
with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Minister Georg Georgiev, similarly
explored avenues for strengthening cooperation and enhancing tourism as a
pillar of growth for the country and a tool for regional cooperation and peace.
In
recognition of his work to support Bulgaria, Secretary-General Pololikashvili
was awarded by the Head of State with the Order of SS Cyril and Methodius,
first class.
Image
Credit: © UN Tourism
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