Sofia became the backdrop for an intensive working agenda led by Anna Stukkert, international media entrepreneur, investment strategist, and founder of the International Investment Congress Awards. The visit charted a path that connects Bulgarian capabilities with the global investment scene.
Behind the seamless orchestration of the program stood Galina Raicheva, founder of Drustar Consulting. Her work centers on positioning Bulgaria as a credible platform for investment, international events, and business tourism, and her strategy actively unites institutions with private-sector leaders to construct durable, internationally visible initiatives.
One of the dedicated working sessions was conducted with Hristina Hristova, Professor and Doctor of Political Science and Dean of the Faculty of Library Science and Cultural Heritage at the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT). The dialogue traced the evolution of Bulgaria’s higher education environment, addressing doctoral and professorial development as well as the alignment of national academic frameworks with international standards.
This academic thread was reinforced by the participation of Svetlana Sherenkova and Milka Petrova of ULSIT, both contributing valuable perspective on education, public communication, governance, and academic exchange across borders.
A central highlight came with the meeting between the visiting delegation and Poli Karastoyanova, advisor to the Minister of Tourism and a respected expert in tourism strategy and public communication. The conversation illuminated Bulgaria’s appeal to European and global investors and led to the design of a joint engagement plan for 2026–2027, including continued strategic meetings and the launch of a Sofia press conference focused on international investors.
The communication agenda was strengthened by the involvement of Miroslav Ivanov, Editor-in-Chief of TravelNews.bg, whose work champions cross-border cooperation among France, Germany, and Bulgaria, particularly in the orbit of the Cannes Film Festival, the International Investment Congress Awards, and Royal Gentlemen Club events.
Bringing entrepreneurial flair to the table, Vili Gospodinova, the creative force behind LABOR8, a Bulgarian niche fragrance and cosmetics brand celebrated for its conceptual aesthetic and personalized sensory experiences, joined the working sessions. Gospodinova will receive the Special Talent Award at the International Investment Congress Awards staged within the Cannes Film Festival 2026.
The visit concluded with a number of carefully crafted strategic agreements.
Most notable is the announcement of an official Bulgarian delegation set to attend the Cannes Film Festival 2026, including the Beach Ball Gala Dinner and International Investment Congress Awards by Royal Gentlemen Club on May 21. The delegation, drawn from business, investment, media, academia, and expert sectors, will present Bulgaria as a destination ready to welcome international cooperation, capital, and visitors.
Honorary guests of the International Investment Congress Awards and Royal Gentlemen Club Gala Dinner:
- Laurent Anselmi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Monaco (2019–2022)
- H.E. Ambassador of Egypt to France M. Tarek Dahroug and his wife Mrs. Aliaa El-Serafi
The International Investment Congress Awards by Royal Gentlemen Club is scheduled to take place in Sofia in autumn 2026, marking the symbolic 20th anniversary edition. The gathering will function as an international platform inviting investors and partners from Germany, Austria, and other European nations to enter open dialogue on investment, tourism, and economic cooperation.
Lacrima, a celebrated Bulgarian dairy producer founded in 1959, joins the congress as both a partner and sponsor and will be honored at the International Investment Congress Awards, representing Bulgarian craft and heritage in an international setting.
The cumulative thread of every meeting underscored Bulgaria’s emerging role as a destination for investment tourism, one rooted in economic potential, fortified by cultural heritage, and energized by international ambition.
