The Bulgarian government approved the draft of the protocol of intention between the Bulgarian and Romanian tourism ministries, which foresees the creation of joint tourist centre in China.

The document expressed the desire of the two countries to strengthen their friendly relations and to contribute to their economical development and expansion of their tourist potential.

The protocol of intention calls for the development of joint tourist products in the areas of cultural-historical, spa, festival and other kinds of tourism, Darik radio reports.

The aim is to boost the potential for attracting more tourists from third markets, including distant ones, with the focus being mostly on China.

The specifics of the Asian markets, and in particular the Chinese one, required the development of cultural routes, an area in which Bulgaria and Romania could offer interesting products.

One of them, which had already been prepared, was named “In the footsteps of the Roman Emperors” and provided two such routes.

The project aims to integrate the routes into transnational and trans-border tourist services, which draw on the cultural-historical heritage of the Roman era and the ethno culture of the region.

The project contains five tourist sites from each country, which were selected according to criteria, which had been jointly approved by the partners.

The criteria included – geographical belonging to the Danube river, proximity to inhabited places, infrastructure, accommodation and dining opportunities, tourist attractions, participation in marketing campaigns.

The Bulgarian sites, which were included in the project, are the Belogradchik Fortress, the ancient town of Ulpia Oescus near Pleven, the ancient military camp Novae near Svishtov, the ancient fortress Sexaginta Prista in Ruse and the Roman tomb in Silistra.

The protocol of intention also lists different areas for close cooperation and exchange of information.

Among the most important is the creation of a Bulgarian-Romanian tourist information centre in China, which will promote the joint tourist products that the two countries will offer.

There will be also exchange of information and expert groups, which will encourage the development of different kinds of tourism.

The protocol also foresees the holding of joint events at which the tourist potential of both countries will be presented.