Over 40 tourism organisations and private companies established a new Bulgarian tourism industry national union in Nessebar.

The major companies taking part in the union include Bulgarian Tourism Chamber, Bulgarian Association of Travel Agents (BATA), Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association, owners of facilities in Sunny Beach and Golden Sands resorts.

Some of the participants have received invitations also for the establishment of a national tourism board on May 3, 24 Chassa reported. The two organisations should unite, Stefan Sharlopov, owner of Royal Holiday tourism company, said.

The union will accept new members until May 4. The date was chosen in view of the national tourism board establishment. People working in the tourism sector still hope for union of the two organisations, Sharlopov said.

Bulgaria's EU accession means tourism enters a new stage and the industry needs an active organisation, Krasimir Stanev, executive director of Albena AD said. The sector had to unite years ago to become internationally competitive, he added. The board aims at improving the country's marketing as Bulgaria is the only European state without tourism representation abroad.

Few weeks ago a survey showed Bulgaria is no longer among the ten most desired tourist destinations for Germans. Since the major part of foreign tourists in Bulgaria comes from Germany, this loss of popularity means the sector is in need of some reforms.