The Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (WTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, has expressed readiness for the structure he heads to provide financial support to address the effects of the pandemic in the tourism sector in the field of economic recovery, promotion and capacity building of domestic tourism. This became clear during an online conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Mariyana Nikolova. Pololikashvili explained that the SOT is working on many projects related to innovation and digitalization. For us, as well as for Bulgaria, it is extremely important to restart tourism, said the Secretary General of the Security Council. It became clear from his words that it is important all the borders to be open – both within the European Union and for third countries.
Nikolova said she supported the efforts of the World Tourism Organization to tackle the effects of the tourism pandemic through a number of new and innovative projects, initiatives and ongoing support to member states. The Deputy Prime Minister reminded that earlier this month the candidacy for renewal of Bulgaria’s membership in the Executive Council for the period 2021-2025 was raised. This is a testament to our strong will to strengthen our mutual dialogue and expand our ties to implement new ones, she said. According to her, the main priority of our country will be the formulation and support of policies aimed at transforming the industry into a postcovid reality based on sustainability, innovation, investment and competitiveness.
We will continue to support the successful projects of the organization in the field of education such as the SOT Academy, in the field of creating harmonized standards for assistance to tourists in emergencies and emergencies such as the formation of the International Tourist Protection Code, concluded Deputy Prime Minister Nikolova.
Pololikashvili also praised Minister Nikolova for her active position on the introduction of the so-called “Green certificate” and the opening of borders.
