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.

 

 

In her greeting, the head of state highlighted the professional experience and fruitful work of Ambassador Meyer in Bulgaria, and in her words, his efforts have encouraged cultural and educational ties between the two peoples

The focus of the talks was also the administrative-territorial reform in the country

The President, as the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, is in constant contact with the relevant Bulgarian institutions and security bodies

The growing hate speech and the retreat from human rights protection were among the main topics of conversation between Bulgarian Head of State Iliana Iotova and American Jewish Committee CEO Theodore Deutch. The two met on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference.