Projects combining some of the railway stations in our country with tourist information centers

In the context of the Transport Connectivity Program, Deputy Minister of Tourism Daniela Stoeva has proposed to seek funding for projects combining railway stations with tourist information centers, especially on lines such as Septemvri-Dobrinishte. The idea was also recognized by the experts from the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, who are also of the opinion that an opportunity can be sought for its application in the scope of the programs administered by them. This was announced by the Ministry of Tourism.

Daniela Stoeva had a working meeting, which discussed the possibilities for the integration of tourism in various areas in the finalization of European funds and programs for the programming period 2021 - 2027. The discussion was attended by Regional Deputy Minister Valentina Varbeva and experts from the Ministries of Tourism, Regional Development and Public Works, Education and Science, Environment and Water, Labor and Social Policy and Economy.

"We need to find the right approach on how to integrate tourism into European funds and programs, so that there is funding, and hence development in the sector," Deputy Minister Stoeva explained. According to her, it is important to outline the opportunities through which those employed in tourism can find a place in future programs. She added that ways would be sought to fund guides, mountain guides, ski instructors and animators.

Daniela Stoeva also specified that it would be good to make an information campaign, with the help of which the companies and employees in the sector should be explained under which programs they can be beneficiaries.

One of the most important tools for the next programming period will be the "Regional Development Program" 2021 - 2027, in which the priorities for integrated territorial development of the regions and for integrated urban development allow the development and financing of specific projects based on partnerships between local stakeholders, addressing the specific needs of the region concerned. This integrated bottom-up approach to project development allows for the participation of a wider range of beneficiaries and will be based on partnerships in which the tourism sector will also play a role.

Another important area is the Competitiveness and Innovation Program, which will have the opportunity to promote sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation, as well as to promote the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy, in which priorities will be eligible enterprises of all sectors of the economy, including tourism.

The Human Resources Program focuses on raising the qualification and retraining of employees, promoting entrepreneurial and digital skills to meet the needs of new skills depending on the needs of the market.

Deputy Minister Varbeva stressed that the opportunities for financing partnerships and "soft measures" aimed at the development of tourism and within the cross-border programs with European funding should be used to the maximum.