Ivo Marinov: Revenues from SPA tourism in the country could reach 10% of total revenues from international tourism

The revenues from spa tourism in the country could reach 10% of the total which provides international tourism. That said Deputy Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism Ivo Marinov at the opening of the 18th Annual Congress of the European SPA Association in the town of Pomorie.

Marinov underlined that sustainable growth of the additional and specialized services in the Bulgarian tourism which we see in recent years, is an undeniable fact, but our potential is much greater. Our country is endowed not only with the beautiful scenery, great biodiversity, rich cultural heritage of 7 historical epochs, but with more than 600 mineral springs. The peculiar combination of beautiful nature and modern SPA and rehabilitation centers make Bulgaria more preferred destination of SPA and wellness among consumers from different countries, said Marinov.

After the 18th Congress of the ESPA, Bulgaria now is firmly on the European map as a year-round tourist destination. This was stated by the chairman of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism Stefan Sharlopov during the official opening of the forum. He pointed out that every year the industry has a growth in the proceeds as financial income and foreign tourists.

In the European SPA Association remain a member 21 European countries with 14 thousand sites offering such services. The main organizers of the forum in Pomorie are the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism and the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA. The opening of the Congress was attended by Martin Plachý, President of the European SPA Association, who expressed positive impressions of his first visit to Bulgaria. The forum will run until May 17 in the Black Sea city and  will be joined by 17 governors from Russia where the interest in SPA services become more powerful. The Russian officials are expected to meet with the mayors and managers of Bulgarian hotels to discuss the possibilities for future cooperation on SPA and wellness programs for employees of large Russian industrial sites.

Adapted from Ministry of Economy,
Energy and Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria