India and Bulgaria will explore the possibilities of tourism cooperation especially in areas of hospitality training, promotion, marketing, development and management of tourist destinations. This was decided during a meeting between Delian Dobrev, Tourism Minister for Bulgaria and Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister for Tourism, Government of India,
held in New Delhi earlier this week. It was agreed to explore the possibility of enhancing air connectivity between both the countries as lack of direct air connectivity between India and Bulgaria is one of the major reasons for small number of tourists travelling between the two countries.
At the meeting, both sides gave an overview of the ‘tourism sector’ in their respective countries and re-emphasised on its potential for employment generation and economic growth. It was agreed that increased tourist traffic between the countries could strengthen the bilateral relations. Both sides also exchanged views to explore the possibilities of promoting investment in the field of hotel industry tourism and infrastructure development.
Dobrev in his address appreciated the friendly relations between the two countries and emphasised on the importance of pursuing a closer relationship based on the emerging potential in the tourism sector in the two countries. He said Bulgaria with its beautiful mountains; the Black-Sea coast boasting of cities like Varna has become an attractive destination for Indian film industry.
India and the Bulgaria emphasised on the need of exchange of visits of tour operators and opinion makers to promote tourism. The importance of interaction between the tour operators and destination managers was stressed upon to develop better packages for tourists.
The countries agreed that growing opportunities in tourism sector should be showcased to attract investments from the private stakeholders. Earlier in his welcome address Sahai said that India and Bulgaria have enjoyed traditionally close and cordial bilateral relations sustained through regular high level political contacts.