site.btaUPDATED Varna Forum Discusses Prospects for Summer Tourism

Prospects before Bulgaria's tourism in the summer of 2022 were discussed at a BTA-hosted forum in Varna on Monday. The conference, titled "BG Tourism - Summer 2022", is held in partnership with the University of Economics in Varna.

Heads of branch organizations in the sector and resorts along the northern Black Sea coast, representatives of the local authorities and the non-government sector took part along with officials of the government and the legislature. 

The Varna forum marks the beginning of a BTA initiative for annual forums at the start of the summer and winter tourist seasons. These meetings will discuss the messages in promoting Bulgaria with representatives of state and municipal organizations, the business, non-government organizations, scientists and experts.

Here is a takeaway from the discussions.

Parliamentary tourism committee chair Ilin Dimitrov: Security, sustainability and growth are the three areas in which Bulgaria should work during the upcoming summer season. There are a lot of speculations with the situation in Ukraine and the fact that the war is near Bulgaria. Tourism and the war are incompatible. It is very important that this issue should be cleared.

Sustainability has many aspects, including the new branch organization and the changed criteria for trainees in tourism which predisposes to low profits.

The tourist season in Bulgaria is too short and measures have been taken to extend it. There is already a breakthrough because in the autumn German health insurance funds are expected to send patients.

Tourism Minister Hristo Prodanov: I am a moderate optimist of the upcoming season. The increased number of tourists from Poland, Germany, Czechia, Hungary, Serbia, North Macedonia, Israel and the UK will hopefully compensate for the fall in tourists from Russia and Ukraine. Unfortunately that Bulgaria is still a blank spot on the map of Europe in terms of opportunities for camping. The Ministry is drawing up rules for camping.

Health tourism must be a top priority. It is evenly developed across the country: on the coast and in the high lands. Also, it does not depend on weather conditions and can be strong year-round. Summer tourism lasts only two-and-a-half months and winter tourism three months and a half, and health tourism has a potential to fill the other six months. I believe it is the only thing that can bring us success. 

Varna Regional Governor Blagomir Kotsev: There is a division between coastal resorts and city and country tourism, and many of the tourists who come to Bulgaria never leave the resorts which is why it is important to build a bridge between hotels and what towns and villages can offer tourists. More information is needed about the sites, churches, museums and cultural events that tourists can visit.

BTA Director General Kiril Valchev: There are many reports about how tourism is a priority for the government but still there is no single tourism brand. This year the real important message for summer tourism in Bulgaria is that is safe: Bulgaria is a safe place both in the defence and the health context. Also, Bulgaria can be advertised as a place where the feast never ends. 

Now is the place to start the preparation of the calendar of festivals for next year. The message can be that one will find a festival in this country no matter when they come.

Denitsa Miroslavova, head of Marketing at Varna and Burgas airports operator Fraport: We have the necessary connectivity and now we have to get right the messages we are sending. We have to focus on two things: safety and security. It is definitely something we care about: not only this season and regarding the Ukraine war, but with respect to all types of safety. Bulgaria must be advertised for offering quality service at a good price – not for being a budget destination.