Bulgarian Association of Travel Agencies
The Bulgarian Association of Travel Agents (BATA) is the leading national organization in the tourism sector. Established in 1992 as a non-governmental, non-profit entity, BATA unites the efforts of tour operators and travel agencies across Bulgaria. Its purpose is to protect their economic interests, promote professionalism, and support the sustainable development of the tourism industry.
Today, BATA brings together over 100 tour operators and travel agencies, as well as 50 associate members—organizations and experts whose work is connected to tourism.
A competitive, modern, and recognizable Bulgaria as a tourist destination, with BATA members serving as a guarantee of quality, reliability, and professionalism in tourism services.
To unite tourism companies and promote high professional standards.
To create, develop, and popularize Bulgaria’s tourism products.
To build a favorable environment for cooperation, innovation, and sustainable growth in the tourism sector.
Improving the regulatory and business environment in tourism.
Promoting professional ethics and encouraging fair competition.
Attracting investments into the tourism industry.
Supporting our members in establishing business contacts with Bulgarian and international partners.
Protecting consumer rights and strengthening trust in tourism services.
To achieve its goals, BATA:
Prepares and defends positions on tourism-related legislation.
Works actively with central and local government institutions.
Participates in the development of national strategies and programs for tourism.
Provides up-to-date information and expert support to its members.
Facilitates participation of Bulgarian companies in international tourism exhibitions.
Consults on the development of professional standards and certification tests for tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, and restaurateurs.
Participates in national programs and international projects.
Assists members in obtaining “Liability Insurance for Agencies Selling Airline Tickets.”
BATA has successfully implemented several international projects under the PHARE and Leonardo da Vinci programs, focused on:
foreign language training for tourism professionals,
adoption of European standards in tourism,
consumer information and protection.
BATA’s key institutional partner is the Ministry of Tourism.
The association is a member of:
The National Tourism Council
The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Council of Chairpersons of Industry Associations
The Bulgarian Industrial Association
The Bulgarian Economic Forum
The Sofia Tourism Council
BATA also works under a cooperation agreement with the Commission for Consumer Protection.
Our partners include:
The Bulgarian Tourism Chamber (BTC)
The Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association (BHRA)
The Association of Bulgarian Tour Guides
The National Tourism Board
BATA is a member of UFTAA (United Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations) and a co-founder of BAFTAA (Balkan Federation of Travel Agents Associations).
We maintain active cooperation with associations from: Greece (HATTA), Turkey (TURSAB), North Macedonia (ATAM), Russia, the United States (ASTA), Portugal (APAVT), Japan (JATA), and others.
BATA members are among the most active, reliable, and established tourism companies in Bulgaria. They generate:
85% of inbound tourism,
80% of outbound tourism in the country.
BATA stands as a symbol of trust, professionalism, and sustainable development in Bulgarian tourism.
