Prognosis for the year 2020, income from tourism to be 9000 million euro Announced at the Fifth World Meeting of Bulgarian Media, where BTAMOGI suggested an alternative Bulgaria to become a year–round destination.

The Fifth World Meeting of Bulgaria Media, following Sofia, Chicago, Rome and Madrid was organized by BTA /Bulgarian News Agency/ 16- 22 May, 2009 with the focus on the tourism sector. This year forum attracted representatives from 22 countries to Varna and Bourgas in the Black Sea region

With the opening session, BTA General Director, Maxim Minchev shared that the forum will focus on media issues, the economic crisis and ways to go out of it, how to bring back ex-pat Bulgarian tourists to Bulgaria. With the 5th meeting to seek possibilities to implement an idea floated at the first world meeting: to establish a Bulgarian global information pool.

European Affairs Minister Gergana Passy spoke in the session “How is Bulgaria's image formed across the world”, commenting that the contribution of Bulgarians abroad, and the role of the media for Bulgarian abroad. According to her, Bulgaria's image with foreign media corresponds to its image in the minds of Bulgarians abroad and which probably is a result of retelling of stories and develops into a critical mass of cliches about Bulgaria.

Economy and Energy Minister Peter Dimitrov claimed during his presentation that Bulgaria is stable in this time of crisis. More than 6 % is the growth in Bulgaria's economy over the past four years. Last year Bulgaria was ranked third highest country in Europe for growth. Another indicator is the stability in unemployment, which fell below the average EU level. Additionally he shared that Bulgaria has received nearly 2.000 million leva after accession to the European Union and another 25.000 million from foreign direct investments.

Rumen Draganov, chairman of the Management Board of “Grand Hotel Pomorie” explained that the prognosis made at the beginning of the year, of reduction of employment in the tourism sector by 40% did not approved as the sector decided to reduce the costs of the services and advertising. On the other hand business will loose 22 % of its revenue. Income for the sector during 2008 was 2.4 Million Leva, said Draganov. His prognosis is that during the year 2020 incomes from tourism will be 9000 million euro.

State Tourism Agency Chair Anelia Kroushkova, during the panel discussion stated that more than 35,000 million euro income were received in Bulgaria from last years transitions. branches like tourism and transport have introduced dynamics in Bulgaria's economy.

The annual budget of the State Tourism Agency is 6.5 million leva, of which 1.5 million leva are the support of the organization. The other money covers participation in 7 world and 6 local exhibitions. Additionally the agency spend 16 million leva which on advertising the country. To advertise in countries with bigger markets is still unaffordable as there is no financial support, and at least 20 million leva are needed. That is why country is focusing on smaller markets including Moldova, Ukraine, Lithuania and Israel among others that present potential.

Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism, presented by Chairman Stefan Sharlopov are discussing together with European SPA Association what standards should be required for a Hotel to call itself as SPA Hotel. The Union is suggesting that the country should become year-round tourist destination. Bulgaria can become a centre of wellness and rehabilitation for Europeans, shared Sinka Kacarova, representative of the Union. Gaming tourism, which is successfully working hand in hand in countries such as Slovenia and Croatia is an alternative for improving the economy of the country. Such a synergy between the Tourism and Gaming sectors could suggest the need for additional services and could be one of the factors for Bulgaria to become a year –round destination, presented Nadia Hristova, Member of the Management Board / Bulgarian Trade Association of Manufacturers and Operators/

In the New Seven Wonders of Nature contest the Rocks of Belogradchik have been included, reported Emil Tsankov, the Mayor of Belogradchik, with the support of Poli Karastoyanova, Executive Director of the National Board of Tourism, who presented a commercial video spot dedicated to the Rocks of Belogradchik and developed by the Board together with BBT television.

Regional Development and Public Works Minister Asen Gagaouzov informed the audience that a grant for financial assistance in support of cultural monuments of national and world significance is starting. The idea is to develop infrastructure in regions with real tourism potential to ease investments. A total of 276 million leva have been set aside for improving infrastructure around tourist attractions and investments worth 788 million leva will be made in Bourgas and Varna airports to improve transport connections.