The total contribution of the tourism sector to the country’s GDP from hotels and restaurants, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, amounts to over BGN 10 billion. This was said by the Minister of Economy and Industry Nikola Stojanov during the ceremony of awarding the Annual Awards of the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Organization. Last year, according to the same organisation, the sector grew by more than 20%.
“In days of so many challenges, we need to realise how important this sector is to our economy. That is why you have my full support and I assure you that in my face you will always meet cooperation and willingness for dialogue,” Minister Stojanov stressed. According to him, the tourist attachés abroad are also tasked with actively promoting tourism opportunities in our country and attracting new investments in the sector. He also drew attention to all the trials and tribulations brought about by the covid crisis, which had a major impact on the sector. “You have shown that you have the strength, the skills and the adaptability to go through a challenge that no one had expected,” he addressed the employees in the tourism sector and congratulated them for the results they achieved.
The ceremony was attended by Speaker of the National Assembly Vezhdi Rashidov, Minister of Environment and Water Rositsa Karamfilova, Deputy Minister of Tourism Irena Georgieva, Chairman of the Board of the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Organization Georgi Shterev and others.
