India and Bulgaria will explore the possibilities of cooperation in Tourism Sector. This was decided at a meeting held between Tourism Minister of Bulgaria Mr. Delian Dobrev and Union Tourism Minister Mr. Subodh Kant Sahai in New Delhi today.

It was decided in the meeting that both the countries will identify areas for working together and explore new opportunities in Tourism sector especially in the field of hospitality training, promotion, marketing, development and management of tourist destinations. 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 also agreed that increased tourist traffic between the two countries could strengthen the bilateral relations at people to people level. Both sides also exchanged views to explore the possibilities of promoting investment in the field of hotel industry tourism and infrastructural development. India allows 100 per cent FDI in Hotel sector on automated basis.

India and Bulgaria emphasised upon the need of exchange of visits of tour operators and opinion makers to promote tourism between the two countries. The importance of interaction between the tour operators and destination managers of the two countries was stressed upon to develop better packages for tourists. The information about investment of opportunities in the tourism sector in both the countries was also shared. Both the countries agreed that growing opportunities in tourism sector should be showcased to attract investments from the private stake-holders of the two countries. It was also agreed to explore the possibilities 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 traveling between the two countries.

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Subodh Kant Sahai said that India and Bulgaria have enjoyed traditionally close and cordial bilateral relations sustained through regular high level political contacts.

Mr. Delian Dobrev in his address appreciated the friendly relations between the two countries and emphasised upon 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.

Mr. Delian Dobrev is on a visit to India in connection with the 17^th session of the Indo-Bulgarian Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation of which he is the co-chairman.

Source: PIB