IBS Representatives Participated in the Anniversary Discussion Forum “Brand Bulgaria – Hospitality in Four Seasons”
Professor Dr. Preslav Dimitrov and fourth-year students from the “Tourism and Entrepreneurship” program at the International Business School (IBS) actively participated in the Anniversary Discussion Forum “Brand Bulgaria – Hospitality in Four Seasons,” focusing on health, business, and entertainment tourism.
The event was held at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in Sofia under the patronage of its Rector, Professor Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov. It was part of the 35th-anniversary celebrations of the Department of Tourism Economics at UNWE.
The primary goal of the discussion forum was to present visions, analyses, and perspectives for developing Brand Bulgaria as a year-round tourist destination.
During the forum, Professor Dr. Preslav Dimitrov presented a congratulatory address on behalf of IBS Rector, Professor Dr. Georgi Apostolov, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between higher education institutions in the field of tourism. He expressed confidence that such events contribute to establishing Bulgaria as a competitive and attractive tourist destination.
In this context, the role of Professor Dr. Manol Ribov was also highlighted, recognizing his lasting contribution to the development of tourism and the academic community at IBS. Professor Ribov holds a special place in our hearts for his dedication and inspiring approach to education, leaving a profound impact on generations of students. Among his esteemed alumni are Professor Dr. Preslav Dimitrov and Professor Dr. Elenita Velikova from UNWE, who continue his legacy and actively contribute to the academic and professional advancement of the tourism sector.
The participation of IBS students in this prestigious forum provided them with the opportunity to gain firsthand insights into current challenges and opportunities in the tourism industry. The event not only encouraged the exchange of best practices but also contributed to the establishment of future professional connections between young specialists and renowned industry experts.
Among the participants in the roundtable discussion were representatives from the Department of Tourism Economics at UNWE, including Professor Dr. Mariana Yaneva, Head of the Department, Professor Dr. Elenita Velikova, and Associate Professor Dr. Asya Pandzherova. The event also gathered members of the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, experts from the Ministry of Tourism, local government representatives, organizations for tourism region management, and faculty from leading universities specializing in economics and tourism. The discussion panels covered key topics related to the development of health, business, and entertainment tourism in Bulgaria. In-depth analyses and ideas were presented, focusing on building a strong national tourism brand.
The Anniversary Forum reaffirmed the importance of academic and professional partnerships for the sustainable development of tourism in Bulgaria. Hosting such events is key to enhancing the competitiveness of Bulgarian tourism and strengthening its position on the international stage. IBS remains committed to actively encouraging its students to participate in these significant initiatives, providing them with valuable opportunities to build professional connections.
