Egypt’s Tourism Minister Meets Bulgarian Counterpart to Enhance Cooperation

Sharif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, commenced his official meetings with a bilateral discussion with Ilin Dimitrov, the Bulgarian Minister of Tourism, to explore ways to strengthen mutual cooperation.

This meeting took place on the sidelines of the 126th session of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization currently held in Toledo, Spain.

During their discussions, the ministers focused on mechanisms to boost tourism flow between the two countries by enhancing air connectivity and encouraging airlines to increase their flights. They also emphasized supporting professional meetings among tourism sector representatives from both nations, organizing joint promotional tourism caravans (Roadshows), and implementing joint training programs to build capacities for workers in tourism and hospitality. Additionally, they aimed to exchange experiences and explore opportunities for joint promotion of tourist destinations.

The meeting also addressed potential collaboration and leveraging Egyptian expertise in museums, archaeological excavations, and restoration, along with partnerships with the private sector to provide tourism services at archaeological sites and museums, similar to initiatives undertaken at the Grand Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

During the meeting, Sharif Fathy highlighted the facilitation measures provided by Egypt regarding travel procedures and obtaining tourist visas, which contribute to enhancing tourists’ experiences and increasing visitor numbers.

Attending from the Bulgarian side were Todor Stoyanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bulgaria to Spain; Savina Nedyalkova, Director of International Affairs and Visas at Bulgaria’s Ministry of Tourism; Petya Stefanova, Director of Public Relations and Protocol at Bulgaria’s Ministry of Tourism; Zlatina Lyutova, UN Tourism Coordinator within Bulgaria’s Ministry; and Maria Yancheva, Commercial Affairs Advisor at the Bulgarian Embassy in Spain.

Representing Egypt were Rana Gohar, Advisor to the Minister for Communication and External Relations and General Supervisor of International Relations and Agreements at the ministry; along with Dr. Ahmed Nabil, Assistant Minister for Aviation and Monitoring.