Municipality of Plovdiv with two awards from its participation in the International Tourist Exhibition "Cultural Tourism" in Veliko Tarnovo

The Municipality of Plovdiv won two awards from its participation in the 17th edition of the International Tourism Exhibition "Cultural Tourism", which took place in the period 14-16 April 2022 in Veliko Tarnovo. The first prize, which was awarded to the Plovdiv participation, is a Certificate of Honor for the most attractive exhibition stand - an exhibition of cultural and historical heritage "Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis".

The second award is from the traditional National Competition "Read and Travel" - "Incentive Award for the most original event in the field of cultural tourism - presentation of the festival OPERA OPEN." On behalf of the Municipality of Plovdiv, the awards were received by the Head of the Tourism Department Juliana Yordanova. They were presented by the Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Mariela Modeva.

The International Tourism Exhibition "Cultural Tourism" is the only specialized forum for cultural tourism in the Balkans and provides an opportunity to present the efforts of municipalities, cultural institutes, companies, civic associations that are constantly working for the development of cultural tourism in our country. This year the participants in the exhibition presented new sites and socialized landmarks, created attractions and services, publications for culture and tourism, festivals and holidays that reveal the original charm of the regions.

The focus of the presentation of the experts from the Tourism Department of the Municipality of Plovdiv was the Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis. The Plovdiv stand had relied on an attractive author's design, with characteristic elements and a distinctive brand, which includes fragments of famous mosaics and a reference to the former appearance of the Basilica with unique medallions with different species of birds. Another highlight was the fourth place that the city won in the 13th edition of the prestigious ranking European Best Destination for 2022 and several first places in different categories of the same ranking - Best Cultural Destination in Europe, Best Romantic Destinations in Europe, Best Wine Destinations in Europe, and only a week ago for Best destination in Bulgaria, as well as on cultural and historical landmarks and a rich cultural calendar of Plovdiv.

The International Exhibition for Cultural Tourism is held on the initiative of the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo, together with the Ministry of Tourism. The event is included in the Annual Program for National Tourist Advertising.