With every journey, you leave a little of yourself and take something from others

My name is Deyan Zhelyazkov and I am the Director of "Marketing and Sales" at the hotel Novotel Sofia and Pullman OKOL Golf Resort and Spa Hotel. I have been working in the hospitality industry for almost 20 years, and I have been with the current company since its inception – almost 13 years ago.

My career in tourism started in Alaska in 2006, after which I continued it in Bulgaria as a student in 2007, in a company managing some of the best spa, golf, and ski hotels in our country at that time.

I have a bachelor's and master's degree in "Tourism" from Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski".

For you, the journey around the world is...

I will use one quote from Paulo Coelho, which I paraphrase because it reflects my understanding:
"Traveling is not always a matter of money, but of courage. Start doing what you want. Don't stop dreaming – everything else will fall into place."

How many different countries have you visited so far? Share an interesting story or highlights from your travels.

If I haven't missed any, I have visited 26 countries so far, and in some of them, I have been in several cities or islands.

To this day, I remember how once I forgot my wallet in a mall in Anchorage, Alaska. Inside were my passport, social security card, and all important documents. I had only 6 hours until my flight and there was no way I could board the plane without them. After a long search, they announced over the loudspeaker that they had found the documents and I could pick them up from the mall sheriff. Only the money was missing (not a small amount for that time), but I wasn't worried at all – the important thing was that I got my documents back. Since then, I don't like to carry cash and I am almost entirely digital, as far as circumstances allow.

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

Yes, I love to return to certain places, but I have a personal rule – no more than three times in the same place. Nevertheless, there are a few cities in Europe that I have visited more than five times. It is interesting to track their development over the years.

What was your first trip that changed you as a professional?

It was in 2011 when my wife and I took our first cruise. I realized how inspiring it is to be in a different city every day and how a ship can create a unique environment with so much entertainment for over 4000 passengers.

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

Every culture and person is different – with different backgrounds, education, interests, and values. Every place is a new memory and usually charges me positively, whether I travel for work or pleasure. You always leave a little of yourself and take something from others.

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

As a person from the hospitality sector, I habitually pay attention to processes in other hotels or resorts. Good practices – partially or entirely – are adapted and applied. Negative ones – we avoid.

Do travels help you expand your professional network?

Definitely yes. Business trips, and sometimes personal ones, lead to new acquaintances. In the process of conversation, common ground is found. Personal meetings always create more lasting and valuable contacts.

What skills do you develop the most while traveling?

Mainly observation – how processes work in other countries and what I could apply in my work. This develops critical thinking and adaptability.

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

Very soon, a unique SPA complex will be opened with a team we have been working with for over 10 years. This is the result of many years of collaboration and inspiration.

In an unfamiliar country, do you feel more motivated or more distracted?

More motivated. Traveling energizes me. Even if I have been to the place before, there is always something new to discover.

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

Yes – new cities inspire me the most, although I love both the mountains and the sea.

How do you balance between work and pleasure while traveling?

Business trips are not too frequent. With good organization, I manage to combine work and personal commitments.

How have travels changed your attitude towards the value of money?

I have always perceived money as a means of exchanging labor, knowledge, and time. They are an instrument, not a goal.

Do you travel to seek new income opportunities?

Part of my business trips are indeed for this purpose – finding new partners and ideas.

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

Everyone is dependent on something at a given moment – whether they work for themselves or for someone else. I haven't learned a specific lesson from foreign economies, but I am satisfied with what I have achieved so far.

Is it better to invest in experiences or in material possessions?

In my opinion – in balance. Experiences recharge me and bring valuable memories, but I also invest in quality items that have long-term value.

How do you see the future of digital nomadic life?

I am not a proponent. I believe that personal communication is irreplaceable, and I am more of a social person.

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

Yes, but I believe that with hard work, consistency, and learning, success is possible everywhere – even in less developed places. We have many examples of this.

If you could develop a new idea in one place in the world, where would it be and why?

I would stay in Bulgaria. I am happy here and satisfied with my development. I will continue to develop in the field of tourism and hospitality.

Which destinations would you definitely recommend and why?

It depends on the purpose. For family vacations with children, I recommend amusement parks like Europa Park, Gardaland, or Legoland, combined with tours of nearby cities. Also, a cruise trip. An unforgettable experience for young and old.

What is the career advice you would give based on your travels?

Never stop learning and developing. Believe in yourself and don't be afraid to try – even if you make mistakes.