Irena Emilova

Assoc. Prof. Irena Emilova is an Associate Professor at the Administration and Management Department of New Bulgarian University (NBU). She holds a PhD in Economics and Tourism Management, and her academic roles include heading the Tourism Section, chairing the Program Council, and participating in the Faculty Council of FDENO. Her research focuses on tourism markets, urban tourism management, entertainment industry management, and experience economy, with additional interests in travel agency competitiveness and transport organization in tourism.

• Doctor in Economics and Tourism Management (VAK)

Prof. Emilova has led and participated in numerous national and international projects, including digital education initiatives and tourism season extension studies. Her teaching portfolio spans tourism economics, market analysis, and destination management. She has received the Socrates award for innovative student engagement and contributes to tourism policy through roles in the Bulgarian Chamber of Education and the National Agency for Assessment and Accreditation.

Her recent publications emphasize digital transformation in tourism, urban development strategies, and experiential economic models. Collaborative efforts include monographs on entertainment industry management and tourism brokerage, alongside conference papers on Sofia's tourism experience design. She mentors student internships and advises on tourism product development.