Bulgarian Tourism Sector Sees Diversification of Offer as Anti-Crisis Pill

Tourism, which generates more than 10% of the Black Sea state’s GDP and partly finances its huge current account deficit, is facing trouble amid global stagnation as travel is one of the first costs that people cut in times of crisis, experts said.

“The crisis will hit mostly the average European citizen, who usually travels a lot abroad [...] but Bulgaria has the chance to see growth in visits as it is recognisable as a cheap destination,” Vetko Arabadzhiev, the chairman of the Union of Investors in Tourism, a local lobby group, told a news conference.

None of the sector officials present at the news conference gave a forecast for the expected slowdown in the industry next year.

However, in order to weather the crisis, Bulgaria should expand its offer beyond ski and sea, said Stefan Sharlokov, an investor in rural tourism, who urged government officials to focus on promoting Bulgaria as a year-round, four-season, tourism destination.

The Bulgarian Black Sea resorts of Slanchev Bryag, Zlatni Pyasatsi and Albena and the skiing resorts of Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo are the most popular vacation destinations in the country, which joined the European Union in 2007.

Petya Slavova, chairperson of the Union of Bulgarian Tourism Industry, another lobby group, agreed. She said that along with the sea and ski, Bulgaria can attract visitors with its wine, spa facilities and 1,300 years of history, but warned that the sector should make efforts to overcome the country's image of cheap travel destination.