India, Bulgaria to work on promoting tourism

"There is a common interest to promote tourism in both the countries. There will be an exchange of tour operators and travel writers from both the countries," said Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai after meeting Bulgaria delegation headed by Tourism Minister Delian Dobrev here.

He said Bulagaria has been very supportive of India. "They have supported India for a permanent seat in UN. Now a joint working group would be formed to work out details in promoting tourism."

Both sides gave an overview of the tourism sector in their respective countries in the meeting and re-emphasised on its potential for employment generation and economic growth.

"It was useful meeting. We agreed on certain things. There is a large potential in tourism for both the countries," Dobrev said.

"Bulgarian tourists are interested in tracking and cultural heritage and Indian tourists will be interested in possibility of spa and recreational tourism and golf tourism in Bulagaria," the Bulgarian Tourism Minister said.

The number of tourists coming from Bulgaria is very limited as only 2900 tourists visited India in 2010 and the number has risen slightly to 2956 in 2011.

However, more Indians had visited Bulagaria. While 2370 Bulagarians visited the country, 4106 Indians travelled to that country in 2009.

"We want subastantial increase in the the number of foreign tourists arriving here as our target is to reach 12 million in the next five years," Sahai said.

Currently India attracts about 6 million foreigners in a year.

Both sides also discussed exploring possibilities of promoting investment in the field of hotel industry tourism and infrastructural development. India allows 100 per cent FDI in hotel sector on automated basis.

"We will be needing 2 lakh additional rooms in the next five years as we want to attract more foreigners here. There is also requirement of construction of large convention centres and I have asked Bulagaria to explore investment here as the FDI is allowed in the sector," Sahai said.

It was also agreed to explore the possibilities of enhancing air-connectivity between the countries as lack of direct air connectivity between India and Bulgaria is one of the major reasons for small number of tourists travelling between the two countries.