Bulgaria's oldest international tourism forum "Vacation and Spa Expo" has kicked off in Sofia's Inter Expo Center.

The 29th edition of the 2012 Vacation and Spa Expo was opened Thursday by Bulgarian Minister of Economy, Energy, and Tourism Traicho Traikov together with a number of foreign diplomats and investors.

"The combination of beautiful nature plus sea and skiing is no longer enough for the sustainable development of image of the Bulgaria brand," Traikov stated at the opening of the expo.

"Today we are focusing on a sustainable concept for four seasons, with a great variety of alternative relaxation and travel options, and attractions – cultural tourism, spa, balneo and wellness tourism, rural tourism, adventure, golf, wine-tasting and gourmet tourism. All of this can seen as a marketing portfolio at the 29the edition of the Vacation and Spa Expo," the minister explained.

Bulgaria's investment in tourism advertising grew by 121% in 2011 compared with 2009, Minister of Economy, Energy, and Tourism Traicho Traikov has announced.

Speaking at the opening of the 29th Vacation and Spa Expo in Sofia – Bulgaria's oldest international tourism forum – Traikov said the total 2012 investment for advertising Bulgaria's tourism products will reach BGN 26 M, which is an increase by BGN 4 M year-on-year.

The total funding comes from both Bulgaria's national budget and EU Operational Program "Regional Development."

According to Traikov, "Bulgaria is emerging as one of the most competitive winter tourism destinations against the backdrop of the general downturn in Europe."

He reminded that four World Ski Cup contests are set to take place in Bulgaria'sBansko over the next two weeks.

"This is happening for the first time, and it is a great recognition for Bulgaria after the success of the World Ski Cup in 2011 in the same resort," stated the BulgarianEconomy Minister who is known as an ardent skier himself.

He also said that Bulgaria's Pamporovo, which hosted a European Ski Cup contest last week, is seeing up to 20% more foreign tourists year-on-year.

Traikov expects a good season for Bulgaria's summer tourism as well, stressing the rising number of charter flights to the Bulgarian summer resorts as well as Bulgaria's recent decision to waive visa requirements for the holders of Schengen visas.

On Thursday, he also emphasized Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage – consisting of over 40 000 cultural monuments and 7 historical periods.

"We are already present in European and global rankings as an emerging golf tourism destination," he added.