The Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA) is the platform for promoting health tourism opportunities in Bulgaria. This was said by the general director of BTA, Kiril Valchev, during the third edition of the National Conference on Health Tourism, which this year is in the format of a business breakfast on the topic “Plan for the development of health tourism with a focus on medical tourism”. The event is organized by the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and Spa Tourism in partnership with the Bulgarian Hospital Association and the institutional support of the Ministry of Tourism. Part of your plan should be how to use this platform, Valchev addressed the forum participants.
He reminded that BTA is used freely by all Bulgarian media and in this sense he pointed out that every news from the industry “is amplified many times over”. Valchev noted that the Agency distributes information about Bulgarian business with the names of companies, hotels, and resort complexes for free, clarifying that it is not about advertising, but about news. He pointed out that it is extremely important for the industry to find “an angle through which to spread news” about Bulgarian health tourism, so that they can then be republished.
The branch can also take advantage of the possibilities of BTA, which distributes information abroad, as the Agency currently has 48 contracts with national information agencies from Europe, Asia, Africa, South America. Our agreement is that they publish information from Bulgaria, and we publish from their countries for free, explained the general director of BTA.
There are great opportunities to promote the Balkans again through BTA, as the Agency is the seat and general secretary of the Association of Balkan News Agencies, said Valchev and clarified that it is about 12 agencies.
Valchev reminded that BTA tries to help formulate messages from Bulgarian tourism in a specific way every season. This season – at the end of November - beginning of December, together with the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and Spa Tourism, we will organize a meeting between the representatives of the state, municipalities, businesses, experts in the scientific field and the media, in order to have a clear message for each season, which goes beyond the usual message that there is a lot of mineral water in Bulgaria, said Valchev, quoted by BTA.
Time.news Interview with Kiril Valchev, General Director of the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA)
Editor (E): Good morning, Kiril! Thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. The recent National Conference on Health Tourism seems to have sparked significant interest in Bulgaria’s health tourism sector. Could you share what you believe this conference aims to achieve?
Kiril Valchev (KV): Good morning! Thank you for having me. The conference brings together key stakeholders in health tourism to discuss strategies for the sector’s growth, particularly in medical tourism. With the increasing demand for health services globally, we’re aiming to position Bulgaria as a premier destination by promoting our unique offerings.
E: Interesting! And it was noted that the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency plays a critical role in promoting these health tourism opportunities. How does BTA facilitate this?
KV: At BTA, our mission is to provide a platform for disseminating relevant and timely news regarding the health tourism sector. We distribute comprehensive information about the industry, including updates from companies, hotels, and resort complexes, to ensure the visibility of our health tourism assets. It’s essential for us to amplify this information, and we do it free of charge for all Bulgarian media, enhancing exposure without the pressure of commercial advertising.
E: That’s a unique approach! Often, the line between news and advertising can become blurred in media. How do you ensure that the information shared is viewed as credible and genuinely informative?
KV: We focus on delivering factual news, not promotional content. By providing objective reporting, we aim to build trust with our audience, including both media outlets and potential tourists. This is vital, especially when health is at stake. Our aim is to showcase the quality of medical services and facilities without veering into advertising.
E: You mentioned the importance of public and industry partners during the conference. How crucial is collaboration among these parties in promoting health tourism?
KV: Collaboration is key! The partnership between the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and Spa Tourism, the Bulgarian Hospital Association, and the Ministry of Tourism highlights a unified effort to advance our sector. By working together, we can share resources, knowledge, and networks that maximize our outreach and effectiveness in promoting health tourism.
E: As the general director of BTA, what future initiatives do you plan to implement to further promote Bulgaria’s health tourism industry?
KV: We are developing a more structured communication plan that includes regular updates and reports on health tourism statistics and trends. Additionally, we will create partnerships with international tourism and health organizations to reach wider audiences. Our goal is to put Bulgaria firmly on the map as a destination for health and wellness tourism, leveraging our rich natural resources and high-quality medical services.
E: That’s commendable! With the rise of health tourism worldwide, what do you see as Bulgaria’s competitive advantage over other destinations?
KV: Bulgaria possesses a unique combination of affordability, highly qualified medical professionals, and pristine natural environments conducive to wellness. Our hot mineral springs and balneotherapy treatments are exceptional, as well as our beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage. This sets us apart and makes us an attractive option for tourists seeking both health services and a vacation experience.
E: It’s clear that Bulgaria has a lot to offer in this domain. Before we wrap up, could you share any success stories or examples of how health tourism has positively impacted the local economy?
KV: Absolutely! We’ve seen a significant increase in visitors seeking medical services, particularly in cosmetic and dental surgeries. This influx supports local hospitals, hotels, and service providers, creating jobs and boosting the economy. Plus, satisfied tourists often share their experiences, which further promotes Bulgaria as a destination for health tourism.
E: Thank you, Kiril! Your insights into the future of health tourism in Bulgaria and the role of BTA have been incredibly enlightening. We look forward to seeing how the industry continues to grow.
KV: Thank you for the opportunity! I’m excited about the future of health tourism in Bulgaria and appreciate your support in spreading the word.