The largest tourist associations are demanding the resignation of the Minister of Tourism Zaritsa Dinkova. According to them, she is incompetent, does not know the problems in the sector and does not conduct a dialogue with those working in the industry.
The associations sent an open letter to the media, which we publish without editorial intervention:
OPEN LETTER
The biggest tourist associations are insisting on the withdrawal of Zaritsa Dinkova as Minister of Tourism
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
With this Open Letter, the largest tourist associations in Bulgaria insist and call on Mrs. Zaritsa Dinkova to resign from the post of Minister of Tourism.
We are categorical that urgent change is needed in the Ministry of Tourism. We do not agree that the sector is managed by an incompetent minister who does not know the problems, specifics and needs of the industry and does not show any dialogue in his relations with business. Guided by the above, we insist that a person who knows the problems of the sector, conducts a dialogue with it and knows how business and the state can solve the problems and develop Bulgarian tourism should be elected as Minister of Tourism.
Zaritsa Dinkova never once defended the interests of the industry! From the moment she took office, she has shown blatant incompetence.
We will give just a few examples from recent weeks:
Mrs. Dinkova did not defend in any way the advertising budget of our country as a tourist destination. What’s more, he scandalously and for unexplained reasons excluded the spa capital of the Balkans, Velingrad, from the strategy.
Ms. Dinkova was absent during the discussion of the 2024 budget and the tax laws related to it. Attempts to explain that she was secretly in talks with the Treasury during that time are ridiculous. Mainly due to the fact that, entering the National Assembly, the 2024 budget was already in the hands of the parties represented in the parliament, and not the Ministry of Finance. It was they who had to be convinced of the benefits of keeping the 9% VAT for hotels and restaurants. Mrs. Dinkova did not.
The ministry of tourism of Mrs. Zaritsa Dinkova did not bother to do a basic analysis of the benefits of maintaining 9% VAT. This was done by the branch organizations, which convinced the deputies with arguments and figures that this is a correct measure that supports not only business, but also the economy.
In the midst of the discussions, the absurd argument appeared that a differentiated VAT rate for hotels and restaurants contradicts European rules. Mrs. Zaritsa Dinkova naively attached herself to this thesis and tried to convince us that she was holding talks with the European Commission. After all, VAT has already been accepted and the EC has nothing to do with the subject. Moreover, the rate for tourism is differentiated in 23 EU countries.
Mrs. Zaritsa Dinkova did not defend the differentiated rate for tour operators in any way, and this was done again by the branch organizations.
Mrs. Zaritsa Dinkova showed complete disrespect to the tourism industry during the National Tourism Council. She read her written supporting points, then disappeared for the discussions.
The incompetence of Mrs. Zaritsa Dinkova extends to the point that she does not even differentiate between the individual branches in the tourism sector. At the opening of the ski season in Pamporovo, she announced that VAT for hoteliers had been reduced until June. In fact, it is about the tour operators.
Zaritsa Dinkova refused to take a firm position on the subject of the renovation of Burgas Airport. Representatives of tourism along our Southern Black Sea coast have already expressed concerns about the method and dates for future repairs. However, Dinkova did not stand behind the interests of tourism, but passed the ball to the Ministry of Transport. Mrs. Dinkova’s job is to take a stand and defend Bulgarian tourism on any topic, even if it is not directly in her portfolio. For example, to find a solution for the repair of the road Varna – Burgas, which is in a deplorable state. And to insist that this does not happen during the active season and be consistent with the renovation of Burgas Airport.
Zaritsa Dinkova hid during the discussions and votes on the Bill on energy from renewable sources in marine spaces. The so-called fins that were planned to be placed near the coast threatened the existence of our marine tourism at all. Her ministry tried to cover up the blunder with a lengthy statement only after the bill passed first reading. In contrast, the Ministry of Agriculture took a firm and reasoned position against it. The Ministry of Environment and Water also made many remarks.
And once again the tourism and fishing sectors had to fight for tourism and the livelihood of thousands without the Minister of Tourism. And to seek direct support from the parliamentary groups to which they can present expertise.
And these are only a small part of the non-participation of Minister Zaritsa Dinkova in the development and protection of the interests of Bulgarian tourism!
We believe that the upcoming reorganization in Bulgarian tourism, planned by the rotation principle for forming the government of the Republic of Bulgaria, will be positive and will lead to better results for this sector so important to the country’s economy.
Regarding the profile of the future Minister of Tourism, we expect him to be balanced and positive, to possess strong personal and professional qualities for conducting effective marketing, advertising of destination Bulgaria on international markets, to have the ability to create a comprehensive new vision for a successful sector policy for the Bulgarian tourism, taking into account its huge economic, investment potential and social importance.
National Tourism Board (NTB)
Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association (BHRA)
Bulgarian Tourist Board (BTC)
Alliance of the Tourist Industry in Bulgaria (ATIB)
Bulgarian Tourism Association (BAT)
The Association of Restaurants in Bulgaria (SZB)
The Bulgarian Association of Restaurants (BAZ)
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