Deputy Economy Minister Branimir Botev has suggested that Bulgaria's performance in developing tourism is way above the global average.

"We engage in self-criticism and in tarnishing our reputation to such an extent that we forget that Bulgaria far outpaces average international tourism development indicators. There are a number of spheres where we perform above the global average," Botev said in a Saturday interview for Darik radio.

He boasted about the achievements in the sphere in 2013, including the fact that the tourism sector had generated revenues of over EUR 3 B, Bulgaria had attracted nearly 7 million visitors, and the industry's contribution to the country's GDP stood at 13.6%.

Commenting on the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, Botev announced that a growing number of tourists from neighboring countries had decided to spend the festive period in Bulgaria.

He pointed out that mountain tourism in Bulgaria was developing at a fast pace, despite the fact that sea tourism had been predominant in 2013.

Bulgaria's Deputy Economy Minister made clear that he supported all initiatives aimed at turning tourism into a fundamental sector and leading industry.

He assured that Bulgaria had huge potential and unique opportunities  to boost tourism, including 5 high mountains located near one another, 146 mountain peaks over 2000m altitude, wonderful conditions for ski and hiking, etc.

Botev pointed out that the top performing countries in the sphere of mountain tourism managed to extend the season as much as possible and keep the resort infrastructure busy beyond the limited skiing period.

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