The Giro d'Italia has transformed Bulgaria into a global spectacle, showcasing our country to the world as we know it—inspiring, full of energy and spirit. This was the statement made by Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov. He extended gratitude to the organizers, institutions, communities, businesses, and thousands of people along the route for their successful hosting.

Bulgaria successfully hosted the first three stages of the Giro d'Italia, which passed through Nesebar, Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, and Sofia. Within approximately 550 kilometers of Bulgarian territory, our country was in the spotlight of one of the world's largest sporting events, reaching millions of viewers through international television and digital coverage of the competition, according to the press center of the Ministry of Tourism.

"550 kilometers of Bulgarian land have shown our country to millions of people around the world as we know it—inspiring and full of energy and spirit," Minister Dimitrov stated. He thanked all institutions, communities, organizers, business representatives, and teams that worked for the successful hosting of the event, noting that the result clearly shows what can be achieved when the state, local authorities, and the sector work together.

The minister also extended a special thank you to the Bulgarian public—the thousands of people in the streets of Burgas, Nesebar, Sofia, and along the entire route who greeted the competitors with enthusiasm and turned the passage of the Giro d'Italia through Bulgaria into a true sports festival. "I am convinced that after these days, millions of people around the world will remember not only the Giro d'Italia, but also our country—with its beauty, spirit, and heart. Welcome to Bulgaria," Dr. Ilin Dimitrov added.

The Bulgarian hosting, which involved institutions, communities, businesses, and the Ministry of Tourism’s teams, received high praise from the Giro d'Italia's executive director, Paolo Bellino. He described this year's start as "one of the most fantastic starts of the Giro d'Italia" and highlighted especially the Bulgarian public. "Your country is being shown to the whole world. The enthusiasm is so great that we didn't expect it. The atmosphere is one of the best we have experienced. Everything was absolutely perfect," Bellino stated.