The event, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD, the Bulgarian Black Sea Alliance, Hotel International, and Win Travel, gathered nearly 100 travel agents from the UAE, the Near East, and the Middle East.

The event was opened with a welcome speech by His Excellency Mr. Ivan Jordanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the United Arab Emirates. He emphasized the significance of this event for deepening bilateral tourism relations between the two countries and the great opportunities it opens for the future.

A presentation on Bulgaria was delivered by Dr. Frank Quante, Chief Executive Officer of the concessionaire of Burgas and Varna Airports – Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD, and Ms. Radostina Zlateva, Senior Route Development Expert at the company. They showcased the wide variety of opportunities Bulgaria offers for every taste – from unique nature and a favorable four-season climate to SPA and balneotherapy tourism, golf activities, and a rich selection of experiences.

A highlight of the presentation was the announcement of the new direct Abu Dhabi – Varna flight route, launching on March 31. Operated by Wizz Air three times a week, this route will provide quick and convenient access to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.

Following the presentation, participants engaged in individual B2B meetings, offering opportunities for new partnerships and idea exchange. The evening concluded with an elegant gala dinner accompanied by live music, while inspiring videos featuring various Bulgarian destinations were displayed on a large screen.

The event stood out for its strong Bulgarian presence, with more than 15 organizations from the tourism sector representing the country. Among them were hoteliers, tour operators, representatives of the Bulgarian Black Sea Alliance, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Municipality of Varna.

Official guests also included Mr. Stanislav Dimitrov, Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and Mr. Valentin Stoev, Head of the Economic and Commercial Section in Dubai. The Ministry of Tourism was represented by Ms. Dora Ivanova from the International Activities and Visa Regimes Directorate, and the Municipality of Varna by Ms. Mariana Hadzhieva, Senior Expert in Integrated Marketing Communications and Analysis.

The event was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Fraport Twin Star Airport Management AD, the Bulgarian Black Sea Alliance, Hotel International, and Win Travel.

Following the successful roadshow, the next stage of the campaign to promote Bulgaria in the UAE is planned—a familiarization trip (“fam trip”) for representatives of leading travel agencies in the region. The goal is for them to experience Northern Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast firsthand, exploring its natural and cultural treasures, accommodation options, and the diverse tourism opportunities the region offers.