Bulgaria among top 6 of the most popular ski destinations in Europe

According to a survey, conducted by a consultancy with the European Travel Commission, Bulgaria is among the top 6 of the most popular European destinations for winter tourism. This is what Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova said at a sitting of the Committee on Economic Policy and Tourism of the National Assembly. The discussion was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Commission for Consumer Protection, professional tourist associations, etc.

“We have held meetings on the ground in our three major ski resorts - Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets, that have confirmed the preparedness of business and supervising authorities for the new season”, said Nikolina Angelkova. In her words, the findings in the reports on the previous season evidence that distortions of business are on the decrease, which is a proof of enhanced efforts to offer quality tourist product.

The Minister also informed that the ski resorts have expressed readiness to meet the requirements of the new Regulation on information security and safeguarding of ski runs and ski areas and on organization of work of ski patrols. Figures provided during the discussion show that revenues from last year's winter season amount to nearly BGN 1 billion and that the country was visited by over 1.2 million tourists. “I hope that the coming winter season will be even more successful”, Nikolina Angelkova said.

On their behalf, representatives of the winter resorts reported a strong interest, specifying that Borovets alone has so far marked a 20% increase from the UK market. Nikolina Angelkova highlighted the ongoing work for strengthening the country’s promotion and presence on the international tourist market. Strategic partnership is under preparation with some of the biggest tour operators and low cost airlines.