At the invitation of the Bulgarian Association of Travel Agencies (BATA), for the first time, representatives of the Istanbul Municipality held an official meeting with the oldest tourism association in Bulgaria and its chairman, Mr. Odisey Spasov. The meeting was attended by Mr. Enis M. Kaya and Mr. Harun Tedik, who represent one of the largest and most active municipalities in the metropolis of Istanbul.
The conversation took place in a constructive and businesslike atmosphere, and key bilateral issues affecting both Bulgarian and Turkish tourists were discussed.
Main difficulties for Turkish tourists
The representatives of the Istanbul Municipality indicated that the most serious obstacle for Turkish citizens wishing to visit Bulgaria are visa procedures. Among the main problems were highlighted:
- the extremely high fees, reaching up to 500 euros;
- the slow processing of documents;
- the frequent refusals that limit the tourist flow to Bulgaria and hinder the development of bilateral tourism.
Problems affecting Bulgarian tourists in Istanbul
BATA presented the difficulties faced by Bulgarian tourists and tour operators when traveling to Istanbul. Among them are:
- frequent and high fines imposed on Bulgarian buses;
- insufficient parking spaces for tourist vehicles;
- high entrance fees for museums and historical sites;
- shortage of tour guides who speak Bulgarian;
- insufficient control over illegal organizers coming from Bulgaria.
Information reaches TURSAB in real time
During the conversation, all information was promptly transmitted to the Chairman of the Turkish Tourism Association TURSAB, Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Firuz Bağlıkaya, which emphasized the importance of the meeting and the readiness for a quick response from the Turkish side.
The meeting laid the foundation for closer cooperation between Bulgaria and Turkey in the field of tourism. Both sides expressed their willingness to work to improve travel conditions, facilitate tourist exchange, and create a more favorable environment for the development of bilateral tourism.
At the invitation of the Bulgarian Association of Travel Agencies (BATA), for the first time, representatives of the Istanbul Municipality held an official meeting with the oldest tourism association in Bulgaria and its chairman, Mr. Odisey Spasov. The meeting was attended by Mr. Enis M. Kaya and Mr. Harun Tedik, who represent one of the largest and most active municipalities in the metropolis of Istanbul.