Minister Vigenin discussed with tourism organizations in Varna the opportunities for cooperation
17 April 2014 News
Increasing the tourist flow and attracting investors are among the main priorities of the government’s foreign policy, said Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin at today’s meeting in Varna with representatives of the tourism industry.
Among the topics discussed were concrete proposals of the tourism organizations for cooperation with state institutions, improvement of consular services, and facilitating the issue oftourist visas.
"Particular attention is paid to facilitating the issueof visas for tourists from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and Turkey. Since the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 our consulate offices have received instructions to additionally facilitate the issuing of visas for tourist trips of citizens of these countries , "he pointed out.
The topic of improving the consular services to citizens, which is key to the tourism industry, was also discussed at the meting. "Our goal is to improve the overall situation based on analysis and the negative experiences gained in past years," said Minister Kristian Vigenin, adding that in close cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Energy the provision of financial support for sending additional 60 consular officers to Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova during the summer season has been agreed.
Among the participants in the conversation were representatives of the Union of Bulgarian Tourist Guides, Varna Airport, Varna Chamber of Tourism, Varna Restaurant and Hotel Association, Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association , as well as representatives of specialized secondary schools and universities. In the discussion participated also Grigor Porozhanov, Director of Foreign Economic Relations Directorate, and Rakovski Lashev, Director of Consular Relations Directorate at the MFA.
During his visit to Varna, Kristian Vigenin met also with the regional governor Ivan Velikov. They discussed the implemented projects of the district administration, as well as strengthening of the economic ties between the twin cities of Varna and Odessa in Ukraine.
Together with the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications, Danail Papazov, Minister Kristian Vigenin participated in the official start of the construction of the Waterfront center for management and information services to shipping in Varna on the project of the State Enterprise "Port Infrastructure" , financed by the EU through operational Programme "Transport 2007-2013".
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