Bulgaria’s Valley of Roses Could Welcome an International UN Tourism Forum
Bulgaria is taking steps to bring international attention to one of its most recognisable cultural landscapes. The country’s famous Valley of Roses has been proposed as the location for a United Nations tourism forum dedicated to cultural tourism and education, with support from UNESCO.
The proposed event, expected to take place in late May 2027, could introduce international visitors and tourism professionals to the traditions, history and natural beauty that make this part of Bulgaria so distinctive.
Sharing Bulgaria’s Cultural Heritage with the World
The proposal was put forward by Bulgarian Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov during a regional tourism forum in Podgorica, Montenegro, on 13 October 2026.
The planned gathering would focus on the relationship between tourism, cultural heritage and education. It would also provide an opportunity to present Bulgaria’s traditions to an international audience.
The Valley of Roses, located around Kazanlak in central Bulgaria, is internationally associated with the cultivation of fragrant oil-bearing roses and the production of Bulgarian rose oil.
From Rose Fields to UNESCO Heritage
The region offers far more than its celebrated flowers. A potential programme could include a visit to the Rose Museum in Kazanlak, where visitors can learn about the history and production of rose oil.
Guests could also explore the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover archaeological treasures associated with the Valley of the Thracian Kings.
Together, these attractions illustrate how Bulgaria’s natural environment, living traditions and ancient history can complement one another.
An Opportunity for Bulgarian Tourism
Hosting an international forum could help introduce the region to new audiences and encourage interest in cultural experiences beyond the country’s traditional summer seaside season.
It could also create opportunities for local businesses, museums, guides, accommodation providers and producers of traditional Bulgarian goods.
For Bulgaria, the proposal represents an opportunity to promote a tourism experience rooted in authenticity, education and cultural preservation.
A Destination with a Story to Tell
The Valley of Roses is one of the places where Bulgaria’s identity can be experienced through all the senses: the fragrance of roses, the traditions of local communities and the traces of civilisations that flourished thousands of years ago.
If the proposal moves forward, the planned forum could offer a valuable international platform for sharing this heritage.
Source: Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), 13 October 2026; Radio Bulgaria, 14 October 2026. The forum is proposed for late May 2027 and should not yet be described as a confirmed event.
