site.btaTourism Association Chair: Mountain Tourism Can Be Bulgarian Economy's Priority Area

Bugarian Tourist Association Chairman Ventsislav Venev told BTA in an interview that without the help of the state and state policy in the maintenance of huts, shelters, and tourist splints in the Bulgarian mountains, especially in high mountain tourism, these are going to perish, and he appealed for it not to happen. 

He quoted the famous maxim "There is no bad weather in the mountains, but poor equipment", saying that it reminds every mountaineer to prepare well for a hike. But in both good and bad weather, and especially for hospitality, hikers rely on those who run the shelter facilities in the mountains. 

Around 130-140 of them - huts, shelters, tourist splints, are under the management of the Association - directly or as property of tourist companies, which are members of the Association. Venev spoke about how they are rented out, their condition, and what is needed to maintain and renovate them.

According to him, 2021 was statistically stronger in mountain tourism than 2022. He attributed this result to the fact that as soon as borders opened a large number of Bulgarian mountain lovers decided to travel abroad. But in general mountain tourism is going very well and in a very good direction, Venev said. He believes that a policy to develop this kind of tourism is one of the priority areas of the Bulgarian economy.

He pointed out that the all-inclusive service offered at our seaside and mountain resorts leaves added value only for foreign operators.

Venev noted that Bulgaria has amazing nature, food, and specialists. He said that the Association is also involved in training mountain guides, tour guides, and hikers, who have the capacity to take boutique groups of 5,7 up to 12 people at a much more reasonable cost, contributing to the development of tourism in Bulgaria, and keeping the added value here. This will indirectly lead to better lodges and markings and tourism development, Venev said.