Minister Prodanov: We will also count on European solidarity to help the Bulgarians evacuated from Ukraine

“We are collecting offers from hotel owners who are willing to provide their accommodation to the Bulgarians evacuated from Ukraine.” This was said by the Minister of Tourism Hristo Prodanov in the program “Wake up” on Nova TV. He explained that there are no restrictions and that offers can be provided by hoteliers from all over the country who want to provide accommodation and support. We have turned to the branch organizations and the National Association of the Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, which also have accommodation. A coordination center will be located in the Council of Ministers, which will distribute those arriving from Ukraine.

The state is currently covering the costs of accommodating the refugees. “We want to offer accommodation and full board with meals. We will also count on European solidarity, because as the closest country to Ukraine, it is normal for those fleeing military action to turn to us. The leading factor should not be money when helping people fleeing war,” said Minister Prodanov.

According to the Minister of Tourism, the imposed sanctions will affect small countries such as Bulgaria. Bulgarian tourism will particularly suffer, he stressed. He added that sanctions do not work and do not have the impact that is expected and that military actions must definitely stop. “We had the potential to welcome about 500,000 Russian tourists and over 200,000 Ukrainians, not including those who own real estate in Bulgaria – over 1 million citizens to come in the summer and spend their money in the country,” said Hristo Prodanov.

According to him, the winter season was twice as successful as last year. It is only the high price of electricity that overshadows the good results, because the profits made by most tourists go to pay for electricity.