Bulgaria’s hosting of the annual meeting of the European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Association (ECTAA) is a great honour and a testament to the trust placed in this country by the European tourism community, reports the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).

Minister Evtim Miloshev said. "We will take this opportunity to showcase not only our rich cultural heritage and nature, but also to reinforce our position as an innovative and safe tourist destination," he added.

The Ministry of Tourism of Bulgaria is a co-organizer and partner of the forum that will take place in Sofia on October 24 and 25, 2024. The event will bring together representatives of 25 national associations of tour operators from across Europe, the Ministry said.

The meeting coincides with Bulgaria's recognition as ECTAA's Preferred Destination for 2024, which highlights the country’s importance on the European tourism map. The event offers a unique platform for Bulgaria to present its tourism potential to industry leaders, executives, and experts.

Bulgaria's hosting of the ECTAA forum provides an ideal opportunity for this country to solidify its place as a leading destination in European tourism, blending tradition, modernity, and innovation, the Ministry said.

During the forum, key issues impacting the tourism industry will be discussed, including the management of overtourism and its consequences, changes to the Package Travel Directive, and strategies for handling risks and crises in tourism.

The forum will be opened by Deputy Minister of Tourism Irena Georgieva, ECTAA President Frank Oostdam, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev, and Daniela Stoeva, Vice President of the Association of Bulgarian Tour Operators and Travel Agents and member of the ECTAA Executive Board. Tourism Minister Evtim Miloshev will deliver a keynote speech during the second day of the meeting and will close the event.

After the annual meeting in Sofia, the representatives of the 25 national associations of tour operators from all over Europe will visit Plovdiv, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city. They will have the opportunity to explore the Old Town, see the Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis, and enjoy a concert by the Plovdiv Opera and the city's wine festival marking the International Mavrud Day, October 26. These activities are organized in cooperation with Plovdiv Municipality and aim to showcase the city's rich cultural heritage and modern tourist attractions.

Founded in 1961, ECTAA represents the interests of tour operators and agencies across Europe. ECTAA's mission is to promote the competitiveness of the European tourism industry by collaborating closely with all European tourism-related institutions.