The event took place at Hotel Cherno More under the title: “35 Years Union of Bulgarian Tourist Guides – Guardians of Cultural Authenticity and Accessible Culture”
The conference marked the 35th anniversary of the Union and brought together licensed tourist guides, representatives of public authorities, universities, destination management companies, NGOs, and members of the tourism sector. The program was structured in three main parts: Opening Session; Professional and Cultural Authenticity; and Tourist Guides for Accessible Culture and Social Engagement.
The official opening was delivered by Mrs. Hristina Nedelcheva, Chairperson of UBTG, followed by greetings from representatives of Varna Municipality and the Ministry of Tourism.
Key highlights of the conference included:
- A presentation on the 35-year mission, public contribution, and strategic priorities of the Union.
- Introduction of the Danube Wood(s) Route, a cultural route connecting 11 countries through the natural and wooden heritage of the Danube forests, under the Interreg Danube Region Programme.
- Presentation of a dedicated Web App for the Danube Wood(s) Route.
- A two-part lecture titled “Cultural Exchange without Borders: When the World Visits Bulgaria” delivered by journalist and international correspondent Georgi Milkov.
- A presentation on accessible tourism products and inclusive destination development.
- The topic “The Social Engagement of the Tourist Guide Profession and Initiatives for an Accessible Cultural and Tourism Environment,” delivered by UBTG Chairperson Hristina Nedelcheva. In her presentation, she emphasized the social responsibility of tourist guides and introduced the first two specially developed tour routes in Varna, Bulgaria, designed for visitors with disabilities, marking an important step toward a more inclusive and accessible urban cultural experience.
- A workshop on local engagement under the TOURISMO project (Interreg Euro-MED Programme), focusing on validating practical scenarios, including services for tourists with disabilities in Varna as a pilot zone.
- A keynote presentation entitled “The Tourist Guide – Guardian of Cultural Authenticity and Guarantee against Inaccurate and False Information,” delivered by Dr. Hristina Nedyalkova, university lecturer and WFTGA National Trainer.
The conference concluded with an open discussion involving representatives of the tourism sector, universities, museums, local authorities, and the community of people with disabilities, resulting in recommendations for improving accessible cultural tourism in Varna. The celebration ended with an official ceremony honoring distinguished tourist guides on the occasion of the Union’s 35th anniversary.
Through this event, we reaffirmed the vital role of professional tourist guides as guardians of cultural authenticity, promoters of intercultural dialogue, and advocates for accessible and responsible tourism.
