Awards 2017
On November 28, 2017, the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association handed over to Sofia Hotel Balkan its Annual Awards for Professional Achievements in Hospitality, Catering and Management. Since 1996, BHRA has chosen the winners of the most prestigious and long-standing awards in tourism, which are part of the most successful entrepreneurship.
The official guests of the ceremony were Valeri Simeonov - Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, Irena Georgieva & ndash; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Sultanka Petrova - Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Dragomir Nikolov - Executive Director of the Employment Agency, Yordanka Fandakova & ndash; Mayor of Sofia Municipality, Nikolay Stoynev - Deputy Chairman of Sofia Municipal Council, Dr. Darin Dimitrov - Mayor of Targovishte Municipality, Kiril Kotev & ndash; Mayor of Sandanski municipality, Krasimir Daskalov & ndash; Mayor of Devin Municipality, Prof. Dr. Nikolay Valkanov & ndash; dep. Chairman of the CEIBG Board, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ginka Chavdarova - Executive Director of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, representatives of municipalities, partners of BHRA from tourism organizations, leading managers and owners in tourism, members of the Association from all over the country .
For a second year the awards were held in partnership with the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB). The NAMRB nominated municipalities for BHRA awards in the following categories: "For Best Marketing Positioning and New Tourist Attractions in 2017", "Most Sustainable Destination Development in 2017" "For the Biggest Investment in Tourist Infrastructure in 2017 and "For the Most Efficient Cooperation in Tourism in 2017". Among the nominated municipalities were Varna, Samokov, Kardzhali, Plovdiv, Elena, Rousse, Lovech, Burgas, Kazanlak and others.
The media partners of the event are: Channel 3 TV, Bulgarian National Radio, Journal & Standard; and Television for Art and Tourism You Art.
The ceremony took place with the kind cooperation of: "Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Bulgaria & Co." JSC, The Macallan Single Malts, Phillips Morris Bulgaria, Gorna Banya, Musical Theater, Hotel Chateau de Berges, Bultex 99, Perilis Trading EOOD and Zagorka AD.
Annual BHRA Awards for 2017
Category:
Best five star Spa Hotel in 2017
Arte Spa and Park Hotel, Velingrad
The award was received by Kiril Yovnov, Arte Spa General Manager and Park Hotel
The award was given by: Valery Simeonov, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic and Demographic Policy of the Republic of Bulgaria
Category:
Best five-star mountain hotel in 2017
Lucky Bansko Spa & Relax Resort
The award was received by: Mariana Petrova, Marketing Manager, Lucky Bansko Aparthotel
The award was given to: Sofia Shtereva, Executive Director of Prophon and Malin Bistrin, Deputy & ndash; Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
Best Event Hotel in 2017
Grand Hotel Bansko
The award was received by: Daniela Ivanova, marketing of Grand Hotel Bansko
The award was presented by: Prof. Dr. Nikolay Valkanov, Deputy Chairman of the CEIBG Managing Board and Branimir Milanov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHRA and spokesperson of BHRA
Category:
The most sustainable policy to build tourism infrastructure in the region in 2017
Municipality of Varna
The award was received by Sonia Georgieva, Director of Tourism Department, Municipality of Varna
The award is given by: Mariana Nikolova, Head of the Cabinet of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic and Demographic Policy and Georgi Shterev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
Good cooperation in 2017
Ministry of Tourism
The award was received by Irena Georgieva, Deputy Minister of Tourism
The award was presented by: Atanas Dimitrov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHRA and Slava Kalichkova, Member of the BHRA
Category:
Best 4-star Sea Hotel in 2017
Grand Hotel Sveti Vlas, Sveti Vlas
The award was received by: Teodora Milcheva, Administrative Manager of Grand Hotel Sveti Vlas
The award was given by: Vergina Djevelekova, Corporate Relations Manager of Philip Morris Bulgaria and Martina Vragova, Member of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
Best Spa Concept in 2017
Thermal complex Aquaus thermal and beach, resort Sunny Beach St. Constantine and Elena
The prize was awarded to: Silvia Rumenova, Chief Manager of the AquaWeather Thermal & Beach Resort
The award was given by: Rumen Draganov, Chairman of the National Board of Tourism and Darya Zarichinova, Member of the BHRA Board of Directors
Category:
Best City Business Hotel in 2017
Hotel Marina Residence, Varna
The award was received by Tihomir Stratiev, owner of Marina Residence Hotel
The award was given by: Georgi Nikolchev, Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic and Demographic Policy and Veselin Nalbantov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
For the most beneficial cooperation in tourism with the municipality in 2017
Plovdiv Municipality
The prize was awarded to: Enyo Enev, member of the Advisory Council of Plovdiv Municipality, chairman of the Association of Hoteliers and Restaurants Thrace Plovdiv
The award was given by: Irena Georgieva, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Roumen Kalaidzhiev, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
For Best Partnership in 2017
National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria
The award was received by: Assoc. Prof. Ginka Chavdarova, Executive Director of the National Association of Municipalities in Bulgaria
The award was given by: Rumen Kalaidzhiev, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
Best Balneohotel in 2017
Hot Springs Medical & Spa Hotel, Banya Village
The prize was awarded to: Yavor Kapitanov, General Manager of Hot Springs Medical & Spa Hotel
The award was given by: Yordanka Fandakova, Mayor of Sofia Municipality and Iliya Paskov, Member of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
Best boutique hotel in 2017
Best Boutique hotel, Stara Zagora
The award was given to: Angelina Mihaylova - Complex Manager of Best Boutique Hotel
The award was given by: Lilyana Arsova - Chief Director of the Tourist Directorate at the Ministry of Tourism
Category:
Best Wine Cellar Hotel in 2017
Hotel Chateau de Berge, Ovcharovo village
The award was received by: Tanya Atanasova, hotel manager of Chateau de Berge
The award was presented by: Dr. Darin Dimitrov, Mayor of Targovishte Municipality and Todor Yanakiev, Member of the Board of Directors of BHRA and Chairman of the Ethical Committee of BHRA
Category:
For the most sustainable development as a tourist destination in 2017
Столична община
The award was received by: Yordanka Fandakova, Mayor of Sofia Municipality
The award was given by: Branimir Milanov, Chairman of BHRA Board and BHRA spokesman and Rumen Stoilov, Member of BHRA Board and member of Ethical Committee of BHRA
Category:
For Best Partnership in 2017
Prophon
The award was given to: Sofia Shtereva, Executive Director of Prophon
The award was given by: Krassimir Ivanchev, member of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
Best chain of restaurants in 2017
Restaurants Happy
The prize was received by: Teodora Popova, Executive Director of Happy
The award was presented by: Nikolay Stoynev, Deputy Chairman of Sofia Municipal Council and Veselin Nalbantov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
Best Classic Restaurant in 2017
Restaurant "Salt and pepper", Plovdiv
The prize was awarded to Nikolay Borukov, owner of a restaurant "Salt and pepper"
The award was given by: Yasen Kozev, Chairman of the Board of Musicians and Darya Zarichinova, Member of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
For the best marketing positioning in tourism and new tourist attractions in 2017
Municipality of Rousse
The award was received by: Magdalena Boyanova, Marketing and Tourism Expert, Rousse Municipality
The award was awarded to: Dragomir Nikolov, Executive Director of the Employment Agency and Slava Kalichkova, Member of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
Best Innovative Restaurant in 2017
Restaurant Toro Grande, Plovdiv
The award was received by: Milen Shterev, Marketing Director Restaurant Toro Grande
The award was given by: Bajko Baykov, Chairman of ABTTA and Enyo Enev, Deputy & ndash; Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
Best Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant in 2017
Restaurant Mr. Baba, Varna
The award was received by: Yordan Radev, Manager of Mr. Baba
The award was given by Rumen Stoilov, a member of the Board of Directors of BHRA and a member of the Ethical Committee of BHRA
Category:
The most prosperous municipality in Balneo and SPA tourism in 2017
Municipality of Sandanski
The award was received by: Kiril Kotev, mayor of Sandanski
Awarded by: Angel Gurmev, Director Advertising of Channel 3 TV and Iliya Paskov, Member of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
For the best partnership in 2017
Musicauthor
The award was received by: Yasen Kozev, Chairman of the Board of Musicauthor
The award was given by: Borislav Hadzhiev, a member of the BHRA CC
Category:
Best club restaurant in 2017
Hemingway Restaurant, Plovdiv
The award was received by Nadia Krumova, manager of a restaurant Hemingway
The award was given by Tanya Tsvetanova, manager of Chateau de Berges Hotel and Marin Hadzhiev, member of the BHRA
Category:
Best family event and children's animation Restaurant in 2017
Restaurant Note di Vino, Plovdiv
The prize was received by: Darina Nitkova, General Manager of the restaurant Note di Vino
The award was given by: Branimir Milanov, Chairman of the BHRA Board and spokesperson of the BHRA and Slava Kalichkova, member of the BO of the BHRA
Category:
The most successful tourist destination in 2017
Devin municipality
The award was received by: Krasimir Daskalov, Mayor of Devin Municipality
The award was presented by: Victor Serafimov, Member of the BNR Board and Rumen Asenov, Member of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
For Best Partnership in 2017
Philip Morris Bulgaria
The award was received by: Verzhina Djevelekova, Corporate Relations Manager of Philip Morris Bulgaria
The award was presented by: Atanas Dimitrov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
Best restaurant in Asian and European cuisine in 2017
SASA
The prize was awarded to: Nikolay Gadev, Chief Manager Sasa Paradise
The award was given by Rumen Stoilov, a member of the Board of Directors of BHRA and a member of the Ethical Committee of BHRA
Category:
Best chain of boutique restaurants in 2017
Chain restaurant Shtastlivetsa
The award was received by Natalia Dimitrova, PR and Customer Relations and Martin Savov, Marketing Manager and HR
The award was given by: Armen Manatsanov, Governor of Gorna Banya and Rumen Kalaidzhiev, Deputy Chairman of the Managing Board of BHRA
Category:
Best restaurant with original and exotic cuisine in 2017
Umami Restaurant, Sofia
The prize was awarded to Stanislav Kolev, Chef of Umami Restaurant
The award was given by: Nikolay Delchev, member of the Board of Directors of BHRA and a member of the BHRA Ethics Committee and Borislav Hadzhiev, member of the BHRA
Category:
For the most gethered tourists through musical event - the MTV Presents Varna Beach 2017
Municipality of Varna
The award was received by Sonia Georgieva, Director of Tourism Department, Varna Municipality
The award was given by: Slavka Bozukova, Editor-in-Chief of Standart newspaper and Martina Vragova, Member of BD BoardА
Category:
For Best Partnership in 2017
BK Gorna Bania
The prize was received by: Armen Mnatsanov, Managing Director of BK Gorna Bania
The award was given by: Nikolay Delchev, member of the Board of Directors of BHRA and member of the Ethical Committee of BHRA
Category:
Best chain of coffee shops in 2017
Coffee shops Dolce Fellini, Plovdiv
The award was given to Vanya Zarkova, manager of a chain of coffee shops Dolce Fellini
The award was presented by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ginka Chavdarova, Executive Director of the National Association of Municipalities in Bulgaria and Enyo Enev, Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
Best Complex Casino Hotel Manager in 2017
Yasen Shterev
The award was received by: Ilia Kolchev, Risk Manager
The award was given by: Sultanka Petrova, Deputy & ndash; Minister of Labor and Social Policy and Rumen Asenov, Member of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
For the largest investment in tourism infrastructure in 2017
Municipality of Kazanlak
The award was received by: Mihail Mihaylov - Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Kazanlak
The award was given by: Ivan Radev, Manager of Perilis Trading EOOD and Darya Zarichinova, Member of the Management Board of BHRA
Category:
For Best Partnership in 2017
Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Bulgaria AD
The award was received by: Miloslav Hugasian, Marketing Manager Premium Spirits, Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Bulgaria AD
The award was given by: Vladimir Voeva, representative of Zagorka AD
Category:
Best concept for increasing the passenger flow to Bourgas airport in 2017
Fund for stimulating flights to Bourgas airport
The award was given by: Konstantin Bachijski
The award was given by: Ilia Paskov, Member of the Board of Directors of BHRA and Krassimir Ivanchev, Member of the Management Board of BHRA
Category:
Best Designer Work in Tourism in 2017
Tsonka Bachvarova
The award was given to Tsonka Bachvarova
The award was given by: arch. Zdravko Zdravkov, Chief Architect of Sofia Municipality and Veselin Nalbantov, Deputy Chairman of BD
Category:
For sustainable development in the field of cultural and historical tourism in 2017
Veliko Tarnovo municipality
The award was received by: Nelina Tsarova, Director of Cultural Tourism Department, Veliko Tarnovo Municipality and Borislav Yordanov, Manager of TIC Veliko Tarnovo
The award was given by Branko Krivokapic, Secretary General of the Balkan Alliance of Hotel Associations and Jovan Nedelkovich, Member of the Board of the Balkan Alliance of Hotel Associations
Category:
For Best Partnership in 2017
Bultex 99 EOOD
The award was received by Ivan Chamov, a representative of Bultex 99 EOOD
Award awarded: Prof. Dragoljub Perissic, member of the Balkan Alliance of Hotel Associations
Category:
For the best partnership in 2017
Perilis Trading EOOD
The award was received by: Ivan Radev, Managing Director of Perilis Trading Ltd
The award was awarded by: Todor Yanakiev, Member of the BHRA Board and Chairman of the Ethical Committee of BHRA
Category:
For a complete contribution and special merits in the development of Bulgarian tourism
Blagoy Ragin
The award was received by: Blagoy Ragin, Honorary Chairman of the BHRA Board
The award was presented by: Atanas Dimitrov, Chairman of the Board of BHRA and Veselin Nalbantov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
Special contribution to the promotion of statehood in tourism in 2017
Valeriy Simeonov, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic and Demographic Policy of the Republic of Bulgaria
The award was received by: Georgi Nikolchev, Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic and Demographic Policy of the Republic of Bulgaria
The award was given by: Branimir Milanov, Chairman of BHRA Managing Board and spokesperson of BHRA and Martina Vragova, Member of the Board of Directors of BHRA
Category:
For Best Partnership in 2017
Zagorka AD
The award was received by: Vladimir Voev, representative of Zagorka AD
The award was awarded by: Todor Yanakiev, Member of the BHRA Board and Chairman of the Ethical Committee of BHRA
