Malyovitsa was named Eco Resort of the Year
The eighth edition of the Bulgarian Travel Awards brought together the elite of the hotel and restaurant industry to recognize the best in the sector, as selected by an international jury with members from the USA, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Bulgaria. A new member of the judging panel is Dr. Siyka Katsarova – the first Bulgarian to have recently been appointed head of the prestigious European Spa Association (ESPA). In this context, the conference part of the awards was held under the motto “Tourism that heals.” This is no coincidence – the first known tourist in these lands was Emperor Nero, founder of the first resort, Aquae Calidae near present-day Burgas. At the same location, Philip of Macedon – father of Alexander the Great – treated his wounds, while Constantine IV is said to have taken refuge there during attacks by the advancing Proto-Bulgarians. The famous and legendary Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent is also believed to have cured his gout at the site.
In addition, the forum организирано от Grand Hotels magazine, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, also brought together neighboring destinations, which used the event to connect and agree on joint initiatives.
Among them were the winners in the Green/Eco Hotel & Resort category from Malyovitsa resort and the Municipality of Sapareva Banya, named Domestic Destination of the Year. Together, they represent strong potential for the development of the Rila region as a modern destination, not limited to ski tourism.
The award for Seaside Hotel & Resort this year went to Secrets Sunny Beach Resort and Spa, which previously received the global distinction TUI Global Hotel Awards Quality Winner 2025.
In a season that, according to global trends, is expected to be dominated by staycations – meaning more tourists will choose to stay within their own country or travel nearby rather than take long-distance trips – many Bulgarians, who would otherwise prefer a hotel from the same chain in the Dominican Republic, are likely to opt for high-quality experiences on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
On the southern Black Sea coast, the Boutique Hotel of the Year is once again Paradise Bay – as the name suggests, located at Paradise Bay, one of the iconic spots of Sozopol.
For the second consecutive year, the award for Destination for Holiday Properties was won by the Municipality of Tsarevo, which recorded a threefold increase in tourism revenue in 2025, with accommodation already fully booked as early as May. The award was presented by Deputy Minister of Tourism Pavlin Petrov.
Restaurant of the Year is EDEN in Plovdiv, which is also considered one of the largest investments in the sector.
Tourism heroes were those who managed to ensure the safety and return of their clients from global hotspots. GIRAMONDO, which recorded significant growth in travel within the selective segment and stood out in one of the hottest regions for major holidays – the Indian Ocean – received the award for Travel Agency of the Year from Minister of Tourism Irena Georgieva. Coming from the same sector, she was previously a board member of the European association of travel agents and tour operators before joining the leadership of the ministry.
Just like at the Oscars – much like Sean Penn – one of the award recipients was unable to collect their prize at the event held at Lozenets Lounge, and it will be presented separately. The first-of-its-kind and particularly important organization supporting the sector, Brand Bulgaria, along with Miroslav Borshosh, were awarded the “Friend of Tourism” distinction for their contribution to the industry.
Source: travelnews