On the eve of 2017, declared by the UN for International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, Sofia hosted an International Congress on World Civilizations and Modern Tourism organized by the World Tourism Organisation. More than 100 foreign participants from Iraq, Montenegro, Macedonia, Malta, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Georgia, Spain, etc. came to the forum. Bulgaria was presented in the course of three lectures related to the history of Thracians and Thracian heritage.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Dr. Taleb Rifai outlined the pillars for the successful development of global tourism. First comes good management, while second comes "creating history," which includes preserving authenticity, but also putting a focus on design as history is also part of modern design.

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Preservation of the heritage of world civilizations was the focus of a declaration adopted at the end of the congress. Let’s listen to UNWTO Regional Director for Europe Isabel Garaña:

The declaration is not binding, but expresses the position of participants from over 40 countries, that linking ancient civilizations and creative tourism will help people to come together and know each other better. Participants in the meeting expressed the view that tourism is a joint product. It can not be created without cooperation between state institutions, private organizations and local communities. Jordanian princess Dana Firas pointed out that heritage should be transformed in a way that it becomes understandable and useful to all.

English: Alexander Markov