In the 90s, I traveled with a map in hand, and now technologies guide you "by the hand"

Introduce yourself in a few words..

My name is Lyubomir Pankovski, executive director of Avatar Tour Bulgaria.

For you, traveling the world is?

A way of life. My travels are largely related to my professional commitments, but also with family.

How many different countries have you seen so far? Tell us an interesting story or highlights from your travels?

In more than 35 years of traveling to different countries and places, of course, the impressions accumulated are endless in volume. But something, that I can now afford to say is how different it is to travel in today's time compared to what it was before. Very often I have to travel to Germany. I can't forget my first trip in the late 90s – by car, with a map in hand, struggling to navigate the highways upon entering Berlin, and now – technologies that guide you "by the hand".

Do you like to repeat destinations? Give examples and motivation "for" or "against"?

Again, related to my professional commitments, I often have to repeat trips to the same destinations. But it is always interesting to see how the places you visit change. I love Europe and I always enjoy traveling to different places on the continent, I don't think I could ever get bored, and there is so much that makes sense to see, to feel, to experience.

What was your first trip that truly changed you as a professional and can be said to have changed your thinking?

Actually, I can mention two trips that have left an indelible mark in my mind, both personally and professionally. In 1992, we organized one of the first charter flights from Sofia to Sharjah. Everything was analog – from connecting with the partner (you request at the telephone exchange to connect you to a number in Dubai), to sending the names of the tourists via telex, so that they could be issued entry visas. The accumulated experience – being responsible for the trip of 120 tourists to a destination where you have not been yourself. The second trip was to Minsk – Belarus (by train) – the first negotiations for signing a contract for receiving charter flights from this country to Bulgaria. The accumulated experience – conducting negotiations.

What do you learn about yourself and your professional skills, when you are in a new cultural environment?

I have always been proud of being Bulgarian and have strived in my contacts with foreign partners to show the best sides of us Bulgarians. And professional skills are accumulated with experience, so regardless of the nationality of the partner you are talking to, you should be able to conduct a conversation with respect and understanding of the differences that exist between us.

Have you met people or ideas during your travels that have influenced your career Vand path?

Yes, indeed many. You always have to keep your eyes open and see what others have achieved and are willing to share with you.

Do you think that your travels help you expand your professional network? How?

Yes, every trip and contacts with colleagues from different countries help me maintain my professional expertise at a high level as awareness of the latest trends in the tourism industry.

What skills do you develop the most when you travel, and how do they reflect on your work Vand?

Being able to communicate freely with colleagues from many and various nationalities, to see good practices, to be able to assess the place of your destination with its characteristics.

Is there a city or country that has Vand inspired you to start a new business or project?

Bulgaria!

When you are in an unfamiliar country, do you feel more motivated or more distracted? Why?

In an unfamiliar country, it is always interesting.

Are there destinations that act as a "restart" for your creativity and ambition?

Yes, there is still much to learn from the practices of colleagues in the industry from "old" Europe.

How do you manage the balance between work and pleasure, when you travel?

Working in the tourism sector, combining work with the pleasure of traveling is something completely normal. Without mood and positive thinking, we cannot convey the positive attitude towards our country, which is one of the main goals of everyone working in the tourism industry in Bulgaria.

How have travels changed the way you perceive the value of money?

The attitude towards money cannot be linked to traveling, it is a matter of value system in a significantly deeper sense.

Do you travel to find new ways to earn money?

No.

What lessons about financial independence have you learned from different economies and cultures?

Lessons on financial independence are received by each of us in a personal and professional plan, regardless of where we are – at home, or somewhere in the world, again the important thing is to keep your eyes open and have an open mind, so that you can see and understand what is happening to you and around you.

According to Vis it better to spend on experiences rather than on material possessions?

Like in everything else in human life – the recipe is in the balance.

How do you see the future of digital nomadic life?

An interesting way of life for professions for which this is possible. It opens many new opportunities in our industry.

Are there specific countries that are more favorable for work and investments?

 Bulgaria!

If you could choose one place in the world to develop your next big idea, what would it be and why?

Bulgaria!

What are the destinations you would definitely recommend to be visited and why?

Bulgaria! How many of us can say that they know our country well – culture, nature, and this diversity that we take for granted because we are Bulgarians?

What is the career advice you would give based on what you have seen around the world?

Be brave! Do not stop moving forward, regardless of the momentary difficulties and failures that accompany each one of us on our path.