After more than five years of successful collaboration, the two organisations have formalised their partnership to further support international events and strengthen Sofia’s position as a competitive European destination for business meetings and events.
On 29 May 2026, Visit Sofia, operating under the Sofia Tourism Administration, and the Bulgarian Convention Bureau (BG CVB) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, establishing a formal framework for a partnership that has been developing steadily since 2020.
The signing of the Memorandum does not mark the beginning of cooperation between the two organisations. Rather, it creates a structured framework for its further development, building on years of shared experience, successful initiatives and a common vision for the future of Sofia as an international destination for business events.
Over the past years, Visit Sofia and the Bulgarian Convention Bureau have worked closely together to promote Sofia as a destination for congresses, conferences, corporate events and professional forums. Their collaboration has contributed to the attraction and support of several international initiatives, including the hosting of the City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) Annual Conference in 2023, as well as preparations for the upcoming European Design Awards, which Sofia will host in June 2026.
These examples clearly demonstrate Sofia’s potential to attract high-profile international events and highlight the benefits of coordinated efforts between public institutions and the professional community.
The newly signed Memorandum builds upon this established trust and creates a more structured framework for cooperation in areas such as the international promotion of Sofia, the attraction of international events, support for event bids, coordination of international enquiries and the development of a sustainable model for collaboration between the public sector and the industry.
Of particular importance is the formal recognition of the Bulgarian Convention Bureau as a professional partner in the development of international events in Sofia. As the national industry organisation representing the meetings, events and tourism sectors, BG CVB contributes extensive expertise, international connections, a strong professional network and practical experience in working with event organisers, professional associations and partners from around the world.
Within the framework of the partnership, the two organisations will continue to work through clearly defined and complementary roles. Visit Sofia will further strengthen the international positioning and promotion of Sofia as a destination for business events while providing institutional support for the sector. The Bulgarian Convention Bureau will continue to represent the professional community, facilitating industry engagement, supporting bid activities and contributing to the attraction of international events through its expertise and extensive network of members and partners.
The Memorandum also foresees the development of mechanisms for enhanced coordination, transparency and information exchange among stakeholders, creating more favourable conditions for attracting and servicing international events in the Bulgarian capital.
The signing of the document represents an important step towards a sustainable development model for the sector, based on partnership, trust and a shared vision for Sofia’s future as a competitive European destination for business events.
Successful international destinations are built through cooperation between public institutions and the professional community. This principle lies at the heart of the partnership between Visit Sofia and the Bulgarian Convention Bureau — a partnership dedicated to creating new opportunities for the city, the industry and Sofia’s international visibility.
