A high-profile forum titled "Health Tourism in Bulgaria" recently convened at the Bulgarian Embassy in Oslo on June 13, with the collaborative support of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism and the Bulgarian Tourism Ministry. The event witnessed the participation of key figures including Bulgaria's Ambassador to Oslo, Dessislava Ivanova, Deputy Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva, and BUBSPA President Siyka Katsarova, alongside over 30 representatives from Norway's tourism industry, comprising tour operators, travel agents, and media professionals. Noteworthy attendees also included Venceslava Yanchovska, Norway's Honorary Consul General in Bulgaria.
Ambassador Ivanova underscored the significance of the forum as a pivotal initiative to showcase Bulgaria in a new light, emphasizing the country's renowned summer and winter tourism offerings while highlighting the untapped potential of health tourism, particularly unexplored by Norwegian travelers. The forum served as a platform to introduce Bulgaria's diverse and rich tourism landscape, positioning the country as a premier destination for year-round, high-quality sustainable tourism. This strategic positioning capitalizes on Bulgaria's exceptional value-for-money proposition, setting it apart as a competitive player in the global tourism arena. Deputy Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the meticulous attention to detail and personalized guest experiences that define Bulgaria's hospitality sector, underscoring the country's commitment to providing exceptional service and memorable stays for visitors.
Georgieva delved into Bulgaria's natural wealth, highlighting the presence of over 600 mineral springs across the country, with a significant portion boasting water temperatures ranging from 37°C to 100°C. These natural resources serve as the foundation for Bulgaria's thriving SPA industry, with more than 54 SPA resorts strategically located in pristine surroundings such as nature parks, the Black Sea coast, and idyllic mountain regions.
This careful curation of wellness destinations elevates Bulgaria's status as an all-season tourist haven, offering visitors a harmonious blend of relaxation, rejuvenation, and natural beauty. The Deputy Minister's emphasis on Bulgaria's unique selling points, including its diverse tourism offerings and exceptional value proposition, reinforces the country's position as a standout destination for travelers seeking immersive and sustainable experiences.
The significance of the forum extended beyond diplomatic exchanges, marking a milestone in Bulgaria's tourism narrative and signaling a renewed focus on promoting the country's health and wellness tourism sector. The event not only showcased Bulgaria's untapped potential in health tourism but also paved the way for enhanced collaboration between Bulgarian and Norwegian tourism stakeholders, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and driving tourism growth.
BUBSPA President Siyka Katsarova's presentation underscored the high quality of medical and SPA centers within modern hotel complexes affiliated with the Union, emphasizing the exceptional price-quality ratio that distinguishes Bulgaria's health tourism offerings. Katsarova's insights highlighted the seamless accessibility for Norwegian tourists, facilitated by direct flights between Sofia and Oslo, further enhancing Bulgaria's appeal as a sought-after health tourism destination.
