Bulgaria has been named a “Preferred Destination” for 2024 by the European Associations of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (ECTAA).
In cooperation with the Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism and ABTTA (Association of Bulgarian Tour Operators and Travel Agents), ECTAA aims to present Bulgaria as a compelling destination within Europe.
According to News.gtp, designated as an ECTAA Preferred Destination for 2024, Bulgaria’s Tourism Ministry gains the opportunity to showcase the country’s diverse offerings to around 80,000 EU travel professionals. This initiative encourages them to consider Bulgaria as a top choice for their clientele, highlighting its status as a top destination.
Expressing optimism, the Secretary General of ECTAA, Eric Drésin, said that he believes that Bulgaria has the potential to emerge as one of the most competitive countries in European tourism, offering holidaymakers a completely novel experience.
In a collaborative effort, ECTAA and the Bulgarian Tourism Ministry have agreed to initiate a joint campaign to promote Bulgaria to ECTAA members and a broader audience.
We are sure that the ‘Preferred Destination’ programme will result in better and stronger relations between Bulgaria’s incoming agents and our members.
ECTAA has announced its commitment to becoming a “true partner” in the coming months, actively participating in travel and tourism promotion programs outside Bulgaria. This includes facilitating market access for EU travel agents and tour operators to collaborate with local destination management companies and other partners.
As part of the “Preferred Destination” program, ECTAA also plans to organise online information desks tailored to the promotional objectives of the Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism, specially designed for travel agents and tour operators. Additionally, a growing social media presence aims to strengthen Bulgaria’s appeal as an attractive destination.
In an important move, ECTAA will host its general meeting in Sofia in October 2024, providing a platform to showcase Bulgaria to leaders, decision-makers, and industry experts across Europe.
The ECTAA announcement coincides with the recent agreement between EU member states to eliminate internal air and sea border controls with Bulgaria and welcome the country into the Schengen area. The expected accession to the Schengen area is poised to improve travel, trade, and tourism in Bulgaria.
Last month, Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov confirmed Bulgaria and Romania’s accession to the Schengen Zone by air and sea starting in March 2024. However, discussions regarding land borders will persist throughout the year.
In an official statement, the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria revealed that Prime Minister Denkov underscored Austria’s support for Bulgaria and other EU countries during the negotiations. The move to join the Schengen Zone by air and sea marks a significant step for Bulgaria and Romania, fostering increased connectivity and facilitating smoother travel within the Schengen area.
