Organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Tourism Ministry of the Republic of Bulgaria on November 15th and 16th, the Second International Congress on World Civilizations and Historical Trips was held in Sofia. This event was attended by a delegation from the University of Tourism and Management composed of the rector, Prof. Ace Milenkovski PhD and the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, Prof. Sasko Gramatnikovski PhD.

The cultural heritage lies at the heart of the collective memory and the identity of the citizens of the world. The destinations that abound with archaeological sites, ancient architecture, folklore traditions and art, and which are found along these ancient routes, can take on the role of catalysts for exchanging experiences between peoples and cultures through the development of tourism, thereby promoting sustainable growth, prosperity and peace in their own regions.

Congress examines the possible ways in which world civilizations could be revived through tourism, especially using networks developed along historical lines. Congress also focuses on pointing out how tourism along these routes can play a leading role in creating new socio-economic opportunities for development at local, regional and national levels, while preserving and promoting a visible and immaterial ancient heritage.

At the sidelines of the congress, representatives of UTMS met with the Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria, Nikolina Angelkova, Deputy Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization Jaime Alberto Cabal, as well as the First Secretary of the Indonesian Embassy in the Republic of Bulgaria, Ms. Sofia Nurul.