Abstract
The aim of the article is to present the initiatives of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the development of the theory and practice of wine tourism and on this basis to come up with ideas to increase the competitiveness of Bulgaria as a destination for wine tourism. The UNWTO definitions for tourism product, gastronomic tourism and wine tourism are presented. The conferences for wine tourism, organized by the UNWTO, are interpreted in chronological order. The specific characteristics of wine tourism are presented and the recommendations of the UNWTO for its sustainable development are presented. Conclusions and recommendations for the development of sustainable wine tourism in Bulgaria are systematized.
Keywords: tourist product, gastronomic tourism, wine tourism