News - Germany, Berlin, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria

On 29 November 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Berlin welcomed more than 140 representatives of German media, tour operators, tourism boards, diplomatic missions and professional organisations during the tourism event “Touristischer Branchentreff – Im Zeichen der Rose” (“Tourism Industry Meeting – Under the Sign of the Rose”), organised by the Association of German Travel Journalists CTOUR on the occasion of its 35th anniversary. Bulgaria was selected as the partner country of the jubilee event.

H.E. Ambassador Grigor Porozhanov opened the meeting, highlighting the traditionally strong cooperation between Bulgaria and CTOUR and the symbolic significance of the rose as a bridge between the two countries – from the Rose Valley in Bulgaria to Sangerhausen in Germany. CTOUR President Mr. Hans-Peter Gaul welcomed the participants and emphasised the active role of the organisation in the tourism sector.

During the special panel “Under the Sign of the Rose”, moderated by the Head of the Tourism Office at the Embassy, Dr. Tihomir Patarinski, Bulgaria’s modern tourism products and the sector’s development prospects were presented. Dr. Siika Katsarova, President of the European Spa Association (ESPA), outlined Bulgaria’s leading position in balneo and wellness tourism.

A symbolic highlight of the event was the participation of Rose Queen 2025 – Konstantina Kostadinova from Kazanlak and the German Rose Queen Geraldine I. from Sangerhausen, who united the two “rose capitals” of Europe. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aksenia Tileva, Deputy Mayor of Kazanlak Municipality, presented the cultural and historical heritage of the region.

Thе cultural programme featured performances by the “Nestinari” Dance Club – Berlin, who recreated the traditional “Rose Picking in the Rose Valley” ritual. Guests also enjoyed selected Bulgarian wines and traditional culinary specialties.

The event received excellent feedback from the participants and set the stage for future joint initiatives between Bulgaria and Germany in the fields of tourism, culture and professional exchange.