Zaritsa Dinkova: Bulgaria is a trusted and reliable partner that can contribute to strengthening the security of the Schengen area and Europe

The Minister of Tourism met with representatives of the EC

Bulgaria is a trusted and reliable partner that can contribute to strengthening the security of the Schengen area and Europe. This was stated by Minister Zaritsa Dinkova during her meeting with Hubert Gambs – Director General of the General Directorate “Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs” of the EC. The bilateral meeting took place after the Informal Meeting of EU Tourism Ministers in Palma de Mallorca.

“The facilitation of the visa regime and the admission of Bulgaria to Schengen will bring significant economic, social and cultural benefits and will stimulate travel and the tourism sector. We rely on your support for our full membership in the Schengen area,” said Minister Zaritsa Dinkova.

“The European family needs a strong government in Bulgaria. We are confident that the rotating government will bring the necessary stability, because your country is key to the security of the Union’s borders, and at a time of military conflicts in Ukraine and Israel,” he emphasized Hubert Gambs.

During the conversation, the main challenges facing the tourism sector in Bulgaria were also discussed. Among the presenters was the outflow of highly qualified personnel from the country, mainly because of the higher pay.

According to data from the Ministry of Education, only 20% of graduates in the field of tourism work in the sector, noted Minister Dinkova. “My team and I are making serious efforts to reverse this trend so that we can stop the waste of trained people,” she added. In order for this to happen, a number of measures are necessary, including the adaptation of curricula, the working environment and conditions, for which our country relies on expert assistance from our European partners.