NEWS

 

 

The head of State conferred the Order of SS Cyril and Methodius on Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, and Prof Alessandra Priante Director of the Regional Department for Europe (UNWTO)

 

In spite of the recent difficult years, which also had a harsh impact on tourism, the sector is recovering rapidly and sustainably, taking a leading position in the economic development of Europe and the world. This is what President Rumen Radev said during a solemn ceremony at the Presidency. The head of State conferred the Order of SS Cyril and Methodius on Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, and Prof Alessandra Priante Director of the Regional Department for Europe (UNWTO), for their contribution to the promotion of Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage. 

 

In his speech, the President highlighted the contribution of tourism to peace, stability and security in the midst of a sharp confrontation. At a time of global clashes and contradictions, organisations like the World Tourism Organisation build bridges between nations, and work for cooperation and understanding, the President said. The head of State noted the hard work of the Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism and the industry, thanks to which the country's tourism has achieved better results compared to those before the COVID-19 pandemic. Rumen Radev and Zurab Pololikashvili noted that Bulgaria has made a weighty contribution to international cooperation and is a reliable member of the World Tourism Organisation. 

 

After the official ceremony, the head of State held a session with the honourees, during which the opportunities for promoting Bulgaria as a popular destination for year-round tourism were discussed. The sides concurred that this country has a significant potential, especially in cultural tourism. The key role of transport connectivity in the regional and global perspective for improving the prospects of the sector in Bulgaria was also noted.

 

 

The two were unanimous that restoring peace in Europe through diplomacy is a priority for the EU and the only way to ensure the long-term security and stability of the Old Continent.

The President recalls that the institution of the Special Commercial Administrator (SCA) was introduced by an Act adopted in 2023, which also established a number of safeguards against potential abuse and arbitrariness — safeguards of the kind already adopted in other European states faced with similar circumstances, with the objective of minimising the risk of subsequent financial claims against the State

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The head of state awardS the Presidential Badge of Honour to the then British Ambassador to Libya