ATM is valuable platform to boost UAE-Bulgaria trade, tourism ties

Milo Borisov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Business Council in Dubai, established under the Dubai Chambers, has highlighted the strategic importance of participating in Arabian Travel Market (ATM), describing the exhibition as a valuable platform for strengthening business and tourism ties between the United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, the Balkan countries and Eastern Europe, while creating new opportunities for partnerships and investment worldwide.

Speaking during the council’s participation in the exhibition, Borisov explained that ATM’s significance extends beyond the travel and hospitality sectors, offering opportunities for collaboration across a wide range of industries. He noted that the event had also provided valuable networking opportunities with other business councils, referring to a recent meeting with the Pakistani Business Council to discuss potential projects and business opportunities in the UAE.

Palms Travel plays key role in Bulgaria tourism promotion: Borisov also outlined the services offered by Palms Travel, explaining that the company focuses on attracting high-net-worth individuals and luxury travellers to Bulgaria by providing a comprehensive range of premium travel services.

These services include meet-and-greet assistance, luxury ground transportation, chauffeur-driven and limousine services, five-star accommodation, concierge support and 24/7 assistance to meet clients’ individual requirements and ensure a seamless and exceptional travel experience.

He noted that Palm Travels is participating in Arabian Travel Market for the second consecutive year, with positive expectations for the exhibition. Borisov explained that the event’s schedule was moved from its usual May date to September this year, providing an opportunity to assess a different timing.

He added that the exhibition has demonstrated strong activity, with the participation of numerous companies, government entities and international exhibitors, and expressed confidence that ATM would likely return to its traditional May schedule next year.

Promoting Bulgarian tourism across GCC: Addressing efforts to promote Bulgarian tourism in the Gulf region, Borisov confirmed that the Bulgarian Business Council would continue working closely with the Bulgarian government and the Ministry of Tourism to strengthen Bulgaria’s presence as a tourism destination among travellers from the GCC.

He pointed out that the Bulgarian government is participating in the exhibition through its presence in the second exhibition hall, alongside numerous international companies and government representatives. He also noted that the UAE, particularly Dubai, remains one of the preferred destinations for Bulgarian tourists.

While acknowledging that tourism flows between Bulgaria and the UAE have not yet returned to previous levels, Borisov expressed optimism that activity would gradually recover during the new season, leading to renewed travel between the two countries.

Expanding business and investment opportunities:

According to Borisov, Bulgarian businesses increasingly view the Gulf region, particularly the UAE, as an attractive destination for expansion and investment, given the country’s position as a regional hub for a wide range of industries.

He explained that Dubai is internationally recognised for its travel and hospitality sectors, while Abu Dhabi is renowned for heavy industries, energy, oil and gas. These strengths, he noted, create diverse opportunities for Bulgarian companies seeking to establish a presence in the UAE.

Borisov pointed out that several Bulgarian companies already operate branches in the Emirates, while others are exploring opportunities to enter the market and establish new businesses.

He emphasised that facilitating these connections and supporting companies in their expansion efforts is one of the Bulgarian Business Council’s key roles.

The council is also working to attract Bulgarian investors to the UAE while encouraging Emirati investors to explore opportunities in Eastern Europe, particularly Bulgaria. These efforts aim to strengthen two-way investment flows and develop long-term economic partnerships between the two markets.

An emerging destination for GCC Travellers: Discussing the outlook for Bulgarian tourism, Borisov expressed his ambition to attract more visitors from the GCC, particularly the United Arab Emirates, to Bulgaria.

He described Bulgaria as an attractive European destination with considerable tourism potential, although it remains relatively unfamiliar to many travellers in the region. He noted that while people in the UAE are familiar with several European destinations, Bulgaria is not yet among the most widely considered options.

The Bulgarian Business Council, he explained, is committed to raising awareness of Bulgaria and encouraging travellers from the Gulf to discover its tourism offerings, particularly during the summer season, positioning the country as an appealing addition to their European travel choices.

A distinctive presence at ATM: Concluding his remarks, Borisov expressed his appreciation for the Bulgarian Business Council’s participation as the only business council represented at Arabian Travel Market, describing the opportunity as an important step in strengthening the council’s international presence.

He extended his thanks to the event’s sponsors, particularly Palms Travel, for providing the council with exhibition space and sharing its stand.

Borisov emphasised that the participation would help attract new members to the Bulgarian Business Council, expand its network and strengthen relationships with businesses, investors and partners across the GCC and around the world.