Sofia: Eurovision 2026 winner Dara has accepted Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov's invitation to take part in a major campaign promoting Bulgaria abroad, the Culture Ministry said in a press release on Thursday. Bulgarian National Television (BNT) Director General Milena Milotinova, who is responsible for organizing next year's Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria, also attended the meeting.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Tourism Ministry's project envisages producing promotional videos and materials featuring well-known Bulgarians, including artists, athletes, scientists, and other accomplished personalities, who will present the country through their personal stories. Dara expressed a deep connection to her hometown of Varna, highlighting attractions such as the Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis, known for the world's oldest gold treasure, the Pobiti Kamani rock formations, Aladzha Monastery, and the Roman Baths.
Dara emphasized the importance of personal experience in storytelling, saying, "My favourite subject at school was history. It is important to me that the message is personal. When someone speaks about a place they have genuinely experienced, it resonates much more strongly with people." She also recalled a visit to the Belogradchik Rocks in 2025, describing them as a symbol of Bulgaria's natural beauty.
Milotinova noted Bulgaria's strong identity as an ancient nation that contributed one of the most widely used writing systems to the world. She stressed the importance of promoting this story internationally and highlighted how Eurovision provides year-round exposure for the host country. Dara's involvement is expected to raise international interest in Bulgaria.
At the meeting, Dimitrov presented Dara with a rose statuette, symbolizing Bulgaria.