The 2021 Annual Programme for National Tourism Advertising will focus on specialized types of tourism. Bulgaria aims to become a safe tourist destination providing year-round tourism opportunities. The emphasis will be laid on proposals for holidays in the nature, as well as on the cultural, wine and culinary routes, this country’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism Mariana Nikolova said at an online sitting of the National Tourist Council.

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Tourism said it relied on the guests from neighboring countries and the Bulgarian tourists above all. Thanks to the Bulgarian tourists, hotels located in smaller coastal resorts enjoyed a decent 2020 summer tourist season against the backdrop of a 70% decline in the number of foreign tourists caused by the Covid-19 crisis.

Bulgaria will be promoted abroad mainly online. The motto of the campaign is “Winter sports make you healthier”. The message is in line with the change of the tourists’ behavior in connection with the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.

Bulgaria expects serious outflow of Russian, Israeli and British tourists in the coming months. This country will rely mainly on tourists from neighboring countries, if the epidemiological situation is favorable. This is why, it is important that the borders in the Balkans remain open. Bulgaria’s Ministry of Tourism said that for the purpose, they are to work very actively, including on a high diplomatic level. The campaign aimed at attracting winter tourists envisages external advertising, as well as a series of marketing activities in neighboring countries.

Compiled by: Veneta Nikolova

English version: Kostadin Atanasov