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.

 

 

Statement by Head of State Iliana Iotova

For projects aimed at improving connectivity between Bulgaria and Turkiye must be viewed as a whole, to be successful, and within the context of closer cooperation in Southeastern Europe. This will bolster both economic development and security in the region, whose strategic importance is growing. This was stated by President Iliana Iotova at a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is on a formal visit to Bulgaria.

Albulena Haxhiu expressed her gratitude to President Iotova for Bulgaria’s support on Kosovo’s path toward membership in NATO and the European Union.

Iliana Iotova raised the issue of depopulation in the area along the Bulgarian-Serbian border and highlighted the need for investment to counter the adverse demographic trend.