Tourism and medicine in Bulgaria launch active partnership

The Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism and the Bulgarian Society of Medical Specialists in Rheumatology have signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at strengthening health tourism in Bulgaria.

The agreement, signed recently at the Bulgarian News Agency National Press Club in Sofia, seeks to promote the sustainable development of the country's health tourism sector while enhancing the qualifications of medical professionals.

The partnership includes the organization of training courses, seminars and conferences, participation in national and European projects, exchanges of experts and best practices, and the preparation of analyses and policy proposals to support the development of health tourism.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siyka Katsarova, Chair of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism  and President of the European Spas Association, the use of Bulgaria's mineral waters is currently focused mainly on the prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. She stressed that despite rapid advances in technology and artificial intelligence, high-quality health tourism still depends on skilled medical professionals.

"In rehabilitation and preventive care, the best results are achieved through direct human care and the healing touch of qualified specialists," she said.

Dr. Vladimira Boyadzhieva, representing the Bulgarian Society of Medical Specialists in Rheumatology, emphasized that improving the qualifications of healthcare professionals is essential for raising the quality of Bulgaria's medical and health tourism. She noted that the memorandum aims to create new opportunities for the continuing professional development of rheumatology specialists, including rehabilitation therapists, physiotherapists, nurses and clinical psychologists involved in patient treatment and recovery.

Health economist Arkadi Sharkov believes that medical and health tourism will become increasingly important in the coming years. He pointed out that Bulgaria has significant untapped potential thanks to its abundant mineral springs. At a time of economic challenges, developing medical tourism could generate substantial added value for the country, contribute directly to GDP growth, attract more international visitors, and strengthen Bulgaria's appeal as an investment destination.

Edited by Tsvetana Toncheva