The Bulgarian Association of Tour Operators and Travel Agents (BATA) marked its 30th anniversary with an industry gathering at the National Archaeological Museum.

Deputy tourism minister Mariela Modeva gave board chairman Petar Stoyanov a special award for the anniversary, recognising his role in growing Bulgarian tourism, setting high professional standards, and defending the interests of Bulgaria's tour operators.

"Thirty years is history, but our job now is the next 30 years and how we shape the vision for tourism in Bulgaria," Stoyanov said.

He said the industry should measure itself against the world, not against what it achieved years ago, because only aiming high produces a world-class product. Tourism grows along with the whole economy, he added, and Bulgaria's progress depends on people, their ideas and what they can do.

Education lies at the heart of the country's future, Stoyanov said. He called on the government to back higher education and bring leading universities and colleges to open campuses in Bulgaria, so trained people stop leaving. He said the 30th anniversary is a moment to weigh both successes and mistakes, and that the association is looking for a fresh vision for tourism's development.

Modeva called BATA a reliable long-term partner of the government and a voice for business. The best results come when institutions and business work together and criticism stays constructive, she said, calling the association both a partner and a constructive check on tourism policy. She said she hopes Bulgaria will establish itself as an interesting, attractive, safe, year-round destination, that its standing and competitiveness will grow, and that tourists will discover a side of Bulgaria beyond the usual stereotypes.

Rositsa Kirova, who chairs parliament's tourism committee, also congratulated the association. She said BATA has built up real experience but still has a long road ahead, and that the museum suited the celebration well, since it holds many stories — much as tour operators and travel agents "tell Bulgaria's story" to the world and to Bulgarians who travel.

Kirova called the association a model for other professional bodies and stressed the need for dialogue between parliament and the tourism business, since lawmakers need to hear from people who work in the sector. She said tourism could take up a bigger share of the economy through the country's nature, cultural heritage and history. She wished the association's members health, inspiration and energy.