Zina Sorensen & Vasil Zlatev – The Poison is in the Dose

15 December 2019

In this episode #28, we speak with Zina Sorensen & Vasil Zlatev . The couple met in 2012 during their Master’s programme in Environmental Policy and Management at The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics in Lund, Sweden. Vasil’s background is in environmental economy and policy, while Zina’s background is in hospitality and tourism. Both fell in love with the wines and wine regions they experienced while traveling around Bulgaria in 2013. Both are enthusiastic about sustainable and authentic tourism, so in 2013, Zina moved to Plovdiv – Bulgaria’s second largest town – and co-founded Bulgaria Wine Tours a year later. While Zina manages the day-to-day operations of Bulgaria Wine Tours , Vasil leads most of the tours himself.

In this episode you’ll learn:

  • Why a destination needs to diversify its product portfolio to be competitive
  • How the poison is in the dose – nothing in extremes gives great results
  • How new technologies threaten culinary tourism experiences & what can be done to prepare for a sustainable future for our industry
  • Why the personal touch needs to be preserved when you’re trying to create an offer an authentic experience
  • Why storytelling is important in service
  • How food evokes specific memories

Discussed in this episode:

Promotion for culinary capitals an innovative destination certification and development program for unknown destinations
Taste of place podcast listen to our culinary travel and culture podcast with erik wolf
Food
A membership page with a picture of pancakes on a plate.
by Erik Wolf 26 June 2025
🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert! Episode 77: “Maple, Memories & Migration” featuring Sara England In this conversation, Sara England shares her journey from Ontario to Nova Scotia, her work at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, and the significance of food in the context of immigration. The discussion highlights the new exhibition 'Eat, Make, Share: A Taste of Immigration,' which explores the relationship between food and cultural identity in Canada, emphasizing the contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian cuisine. The conversation also touches on historical aspects of immigration, including the harrowing experiences of those who traveled on coffin ships during the Irish potato famine, and the evolving identity of Canadian food. 🎙️ Available now on Spotify, iTunes & your favorite podcast platforms (Search for "Taste of Place") 📺 Prefer video? Watch it now on our YouTube channel.
by Erik Wolf 26 June 2025
🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert! Episode 76: “Morocco by Hand and Heart” featuring Siham Lahmine In this episode number 76, we explore Morocco through the eyes of Siham Lahmine, founder of Morocco Travel Organizer. Siham shares how she crafts immersive culinary experiences that connect travelers with Morocco’s rich food heritage, local artisans, and vibrant communities. From farm visits to tea ceremonies in mountain caves, discover how food becomes a powerful gateway to culture, identity, and human connection. 🎙️ Available now on Spotify, iTunes & your favorite podcast platforms (Search for "Taste of Place") 📺 Prefer video? Watch it now on our YouTube channel.
28 May 2025
Announcing the 2025 Global Culinary Travel Awards Winners
A picture of a lobster roll with the words announcing our 2025 awards semi-finalists
10 May 2025
Announcing the 2025 Global Culinary Travel Awards Semi-Finalists
A man wearing a hat and glasses is smiling for the camera
9 May 2025
Episode 75: “From Tunisia, With Flavor” featuring Jamie Furniss. Dive into Tunisia’s rich culinary heritage in our latest podcast episode!
Association Names New Ambassador on Aruba
by Erik Wolf 15 April 2025
Association Names Dr Gerald Kock as New Ambassador on Aruba
More posts