The Ministry of Tourism of Bulgaria has officially received the certificate of membership from the cultural Route of the Council of Europe – “Iter Vitis” – handed over to the Minister of Tourism Mr Miroslav Borshos. With this step, Bulgaria becomes part of a distinguished European network of leading destinations dedicated to preserving and promoting wine heritage and wine tourism.
By joining this certified cultural route, Bulgaria integrates into this platform that supports the development of wine tourism, the conservation of viticultural landscapes, and the promotion of European wine cultures. This membership opens new opportunities for Bulgaria in terms of international recognition, joint initiatives and elevated positioning of its wine regions within the European tourism context.
“Bulgaria is a key element in this European mosaic of wine heritage and wine tourism,” said Ms Emanuela Panke, President of the Iter Vitis Federation.
Minister Borshos emphasised that Bulgaria’s accession is a long-awaited step for both the sector and the state, noting that membership in Iter Vitis provides Bulgarian wine regions with international visibility and new perspectives.
“The Bulgarian regions will be able to draw knowledge and resources from the European network, while the State, local authorities and the sector will work together to promote our country as an attractive tourist destination,” said Minister Borshos.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Mr Georgi Tachov pointed out that wine-tourism destinations are key not only for tourism, but also for producers in the wine sector. “They allow our unique wines and products to reach more consumers, including foreign guests. In Bulgaria there are 88 professional wineries, and 54 wines already have protected geographical indication status at EU level,” he said.
He also emphasised the commitment of the Ministry to modernisation of production, ecological practices and the promotion of Bulgarian wines on global markets.
The General Director of the Bulgarian News Agency Mr Kiril Vulchev noted that the accession process began during Bulgaria’s hosting of the 9th Global Conference on Wine Tourism (UN Tourism) in Plovdiv, and was completed on the symbolic day of European wine production – the third Thursday of November when the new Beaujolais wine is traditionally celebrated.
Ms Petya Minkova, Chairwoman of the Bulgarian Wine Tourism Association, emphasised that Bulgaria’s inclusion in Iter Vitis is an important sign of international recognition for the country. “Certification increases trust in our wine regions, opens new partnership opportunities and supports the efforts of all wineries developing wine tourism,” she said.
Mr Emil Koralov, member of the Board of the Bulgarian Association of Wine Professionals, added that Iter Vitis is a “European seal of quality for our wine regions and routes”. He stated that accession “provides access to a broad European network for marketing, exchange of good practices and joint projects, while the wineries on the route will gain greater visibility among tour operators, wine professionals and media.”
As part of its membership, Bulgaria will participate in coordinated European initiatives, trainings, exchange of experience and cultural programmes aimed at sustainable development of wine tourism, regional development and biodiversity conservation. “Thank you to everyone, because each one contributed to this achievement. And of course we are setting even greater challenges for ourselves — as a country, as a sector, as institutions,” commented Minister Borshos.
“With today’s accession we launch the major campaign of the Ministry of Tourism for 2026, dedicated to cultural tourism,” concluded Minister Borshos.