TUI names Boeing 737-8 aircraft ‘VARNA’ to promote Bulgarian tourism

TUI Group has named one of its Boeing 737-8 aircraft ‘VARNA’ after the Bulgarian coastal city. The naming ceremony took place at Varna Airport and was attended by Bulgarian Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov, who served as the aircraft’s godfather.

The move is part of TUI’s efforts to increase flight capacity to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, including destinations like Varna, Burgas, and Sunny Beach. TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebbel noted that the naming highlights the growing importance of Bulgaria as a tourist destination and aims to increase destination awareness among travelers.

Bulgarian Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov stated that the aircraft will serve as an ambassador for the country and the Black Sea coast across Europe. The Ministry of Tourism aims to double the number of tourists traveling to Bulgaria via TUI to 400,000 annually by 2030. Following the ceremony, a memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry and TUI Group is expected to be signed.