Tourism development in Bulgaria through new technologies: relevance for Ukraine and the Danube region

On 13 February 2026, the second edition of the TravelX forum will take place at the Inter Expo Center in Sofia. The event approaches tourism not merely as an industry, but as a strategic sector influencing economic growth, regional development, cultural heritage preservation, and quality of life. The forum will bring together representatives of the tourism business, public authorities, investors, entrepreneurs, and experts to outline key development pathways for the sector amid global transformations. The FACTS information platform acts as a media partner of the event.

The TravelX 2026 programme is structured around six core thematic pillars defining the future of tourism in 2026–2027. These include the sustainable development of historical and cultural heritage sites, gastronomy as a distinctive tourism asset, and the role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in transforming tourism products and services. Particular attention is paid to attractions and experiences as central elements of contemporary travel—ranging from seasonal and adventure activities to curated formats that combine history with advanced technologies.

A significant focus is placed on event-based tourism, including festivals, concerts, and cultural formats that in recent years have positioned Bulgaria as an active arena for international and local initiatives, proving their effectiveness as drivers of tourist flows and local economic development. The sixth thematic pillar addresses alternative accommodation models—such as glamping, camping, and caravans—which respond to the growing demand for sustainable experiences, proximity to nature, and new forms of hospitality. Lectures and panel discussions are designed to foster cross-sector dialogue and facilitate interaction between business, institutions, and the expert community.

TravelX 2026 will feature recognised professionals and practitioners from Bulgaria and abroad, including representatives of tourism organisations, technology companies, investors, and project managers with demonstrated impact. Experts from both the private cultural sector and public institutions managing museums, galleries, and heritage sites will share know-how on modern governance, sustainability, and the digital transformation of tourism and cultural assets, as well as solutions with long-term sectoral impact.

IDR commentary.
The TravelX 2026 agenda offers valuable insights for Ukraine as a whole and for the Danube region in particular. The integration of digital technologies, event tourism, gastronomy, and alternative accommodation models provides a relevant framework for post-war recovery and regional revitalisation. For the Danube area, this approach enables the transformation of cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and cross-border routes into competitive tourism products that can stimulate local economies, employment, and international cooperation within the Danube macro-region.