Plovdiv wins 4th place in the ranking European Best Destinations 2022 and takes 1st place in 3 categories
The city is ranked 1st in Best Cultural Destinations in Europe, Best Romantic Destinations in Europe and Best Wine Destinations in Europe

As it has already become known, Plovdiv took fourth place in the ranking European Best Destinations 2022. The city under the hills competed alongside 19 world-famous destinations in the 13th edition of the prestigious ranking. Plovdiv was the only Bulgarian city that participated in the competition alongside London, Rome, Vienna, Istanbul, Athens, Prague and others. Ljubljana in Slovenia won first place. Marbella in Spain came in second, followed by Amiens in France.

Of these 20 destinations, only the 5 that received the most votes can use the title European Best Destinations 2022 in all their communications, media appearances, websites and advertising. They can also share this title and official logo with their partners, local hotels, restaurants and shops. Plovdiv is also the most voted Bulgarian destination since the start of this competition in 2009.

Plovdiv was elected 4th with 51 024 votes. In total, the campaign garnered 528 069 votes from 182 countries and was shared over 100 000 times. 56% of all votes came from Europe and the remaining 44% from outside Europe.

This Sunday (13 February 2022), Forbes USA magazine will announce to more than 90 million travelers the news that Plovdiv is ranked first as the Best Cultural Destination in Europe. The publication will also showcase the city as one of the 5 most voted European destinations which can carry the title European Best Destinations 2022.

"Did you know that Plovdiv, besides being one of your European Best Destinations 2022, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe and one of the most ancient in the world? As the main cultural centre of Bulgaria, Plovdiv deservedly won the title of European Capital of Culture 2019. The city is home to impressive monuments of antiquity – the 1st-century theatre, the Roman Stadium from the 2nd century, the Ancient Forum, fine examples of Roman mosaic heritage, seen in The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis (4-6th century) and in The Small Early Christian Basilica (4-6th century), and others.

Plovdiv Old Town, the city’s finest gem, is a cultural phenomenon that enchants with its beautiful and richly decorated Revival houses. Thanks to the economic and cultural impulse carried by the Mayor of Plovdiv, Mr. Zdravko Dimitrov but also the Deputy Mayor in charge of Culture & Tourism Mr. Plamen Panov and the Tourism Department of Plovdiv this destination is also ranked first among your Best Cultural Destinations in Europe 2022. Plovdiv has also been the most voted Bulgarian destination since the creation of this competition in 2009. Plovdiv is the city in which millennial history, culture and heritage are in harmony. Ancient and eternal, artistic and modern, cosmopolitan and romantic, this city is so captivating and full of life." reads the competition's website.

On the same site EuropeanBestDestinations.com, which is a leading website for tourism in Europe, Plovdiv was also awarded the title of Best Cultural Destination in Europe 2022 (1st place). Plovdiv takes first place in the category Best Romantic Destinations in Europe and in the category Best Wine Destinations in Europe.

Official information about the prestigious fourth place was received this morning by letter from Maximilien Lejeune, Chief Executive Officer of European Best Destinations, sent to the Mayor of Plovdiv Zdravko Dimitrov and the Deputy Mayor Plamen Panov.

Here is the full text of the letter:

DEAR MR. MAYOR,
DEAR DEPUTY MAYOR,

For 21 days, more than half a million travelers voted for their favorite destinations in Europe.

Among 400 destinations in the European Union, 20 have been voted among the Best in Europe in 2022.

Of those 20, only the five most voted destinations can use the title of "European Best Destinations 2022" in all their communications, media, website, advertising. They can also share this title and official logo with their partners, local hotels, restaurants and shops.

The competition has never been so fierce to reach the top 10 destinations. Istanbul woke up with national support from the Turkish National Tourism Board, but even with such huge support, this year Plovdiv is better ranked than Istanbul and can bear the title "European Best Destinations 2022” thanks to its ranking among the TOP 5 most voted destinations for tourism!

Plovdiv is also the most voted Bulgarian destination since the creation of this competition in 2009.

Also, Plovdiv is awarded the title of European Best Cultural Destination 2022 (1st place), thanks to the great work done by the Municipality of Plovdiv to promote and support culture.

This Sunday, Forbes USA magazine will publish to an audience of more than 90 million of high purchasing power travelers the news that Plovdiv is ranked First as the best cultural destination in Europe. At the same time, the news will be spread that the city is among the 5 most voted Destinations in Europe, allowed for this reason, to bear the title "European Best Destinations 2022".

It is an honour for us to have Plovdiv worldwide voted and recognized among the European Best Destinations 2022. 

Dear Mr. Mayor,
Dear Mr. Deputy Mayor,
Please accept the expression of our highest consideration. 

Yours sincerely,
Maximilien Lejeune
Chief Executive Officer of European Best Destinations
Brussels

Link to the Best European Destination ranking for 2022:
https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/european-best-destinations-2022/

Plovdiv No. 1 in category Best Cultural Destinations in Europe
https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/destinations/best-cultural-destinations-in-europe/

Plovdiv No. 1 in category Best Romantic Destinations in Europe
https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/top/best-romantic-destinations-in-europe/

Plovdiv No. 1 in category Best Wine Destinations in Europe
https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/top/best-wine-destinations-in-europe/