An aircraft named Varna and operated by the travel company TUI landed in the Bulgarian city after which it was named. Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov became the aircraft’s godfather upon its arrival from London on Thursday. As the namesake of a TUI aircraft, Varna will represent Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast throughout TUI’s international route network, the company reported on its website.

The city’s airport director, Dimitar Kostadinov, specified that the aircraft is a Boeing 737. He pointed out that this was the first time a naming ceremony for an airplane had been held at the airport. In 1991, there was another aircraft with the same name, but its naming ceremony did not take place in the city, Kostadinov added.

TUI Chairman of the Board Sebastian Ebel shared that this was his first visit to Bulgaria. He said that the ceremony will give people around the world the opportunity to learn more about Bulgaria in general and Varna in particular. This region and the Bulgarian Black Sea coast have great potential to attract more visitors, Ebel added. He noted that Bulgaria is a destination with a long history, and people need to work together to promote the region more effectively in order to successfully realize its potential.

Varna Regional Governor Mario Smarkov noted that his city is linked to the sea, to the movement of people and to various cultures, while its name dates back centuries. He added that Thursday’s ceremony is recognition of the city’s international profile and its status as a tourist destination.

Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev said that the event is a great honour for the city. He added: “It is clear that the TUI Group recognizes Varna as a destination with great potential and is investing in it, and this is a sign that the municipality is moving in the right direction.” The mayor reported that the number of foreign visitors to the city in 2026 has remained stable, with no dramatic increase. Varna is actively promoting itself at various exhibitions, trade fairs and events across Europe, he added.