The 2016 CIRCOM Regional Conference took place in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on 19 and 20 May 2016, hosted by Bulgarian National Television.
Plovdiv, situated in south-central Bulgaria on Maritsa River, is the second-largest city in Bulgaria and administrative center of Plovdiv Province. Also known as The City of the Seven Hills, Plovdiv is important economic, transport, cultural and educational center.
This centuries-old city - the sixth oldest living city in the world - has rich culture, with over 200 monuments of history and culture and over 300 000 objects of cultural and historical heritage exhibited in the six city museums.
Plovdiv will be European capital of culture in 2019
Eng. Ivan Totev, Mayor of the City of Plovdiv
Dear Ladies and Gentelmen,
I am proud of being the Mayor of the sixth oldest living city in the world and the oldest in Europe, endowed with more than 200 cultural and historical sites and over 300,000 portable cultural monuments, with finds from seven archaeological periods.
Plovdiv’s rich and ancient history has left lasting traces on its architecture even to this day. Remains of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and of contemporary culture coexist, woven into the irresistible beauty of the millennia-old city. At every step, one comes across pieces of world history. The journey through the Old Town and along the streets of Plovdiv is a journey through time and civilisations.
Today, our city is successfully developing as a leading destination of culture and cultural tourism. This progress is due to the efforts of many generations of Plovdiv creators and people who are have devoted, and continue to give, the best years of their life to the city. They have all left their lasting imprint forever.
The calendar of Plovdiv includes more than 100 prestigious events—opera, chamber and symphonic concerts, theatre festivals, rock concerts, exhibitions and cultural products of all genres of art that have long received broad international recognition. The preservation and popularisation of Bulgarian traditions, culture and spirit are a mission that is passed on from generation to generation.
Plovdiv won the award for ‘Cultural Tourism 2015’ and was named ‘Balkan Capital of Culture’ at the 2015 annual BALKAN AWARDS FOR TOURISM INDUSTRY. Every year, the Parade of Young Wine Festival is held here. We developed the first map for wine tourism in the country. Our city was selected to host, in 2016, the most prestigious independent wine competition in the world—Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
Plovdiv is the first Bulgarian city to win the 2019 title European Capital of Culture and proved, in an international context, that it can utilise its resources for cultural tourism and deserves to win titles that give it worldwide prestige and popularity.
The gates of Plovdiv are thrown wide open to people who want to immerse themselves in a special and unique city, full of a remarkable spirit and atmosphere. We will greet you with a ‘Welcome’ and with traditional Bulgarian hospitality!
There is something preordained in the destiny and millennia-old history of Plovdiv. I am sure you can all discover that for yourselves.
Welcome to Plovdiv!
Conference venue was Grand Hotel Plovdiv (ex Novotel) - more info on hotel's website
