Religious tourism is of great importance for the development of Bulgaria as an year-round tourist destination, this country’s Minister of Tourism Mariana Nikolova said. 

Earlier today, Minister Nikolova attended the Sunday liturgy at St. Forty Martyrs church in the town of Sapareva Banya, together with the Mayor of Sapareva Banya municipality Kalin Gelev, BTA reported. After the service, Minister Nikolova commented on the importance of pilgrimage tourism, which stirs up interest not only among religious tourists, but also among those who want to get acquainted with Bulgaria’s culture and history.

According to Minister Nikolova, Sapareva Banya has the opportunity and the resources to offer various forms of tourism throughout the year. During her visit to Sapareva Banya Municipality Minister Nikolova, together with Mayor Kalin Gelev, made a random inspection at a hotel in the spa resort to see if the anti-epidemic measures were observed.