site.btaRussian Holiday-Makers Down by 20% So Far This Summer

Russian Holiday-Makers Down by 20% So Far This Summer

Bourgas, on the Black Sea, July 7 (BTA) - Russian holiday-makers
 on the Bulgarian seacoast have decreased by 20 per cent so far
this summer compared with last year, but the situation is rather
 dynamic, Tourism Minister Nikolina Angelkova told a news
briefing in Bourgas on Tuesday.

Angelkova recalled that the fall in Russian tourists was
predicted already in January. She stressed, however, that the
current season is particularly dynamic and last-minute bookings
are rather common. The view was shared by tourist company
executives who met with her in Bourgas. The companies complained
 of tough times in May and June, but noted that July has seen an
 upturn.

Angelkova said it is necessary to increase chartered air
services and to implement a consistent advertising policy.

Tourist agents pointed to a shortage of skilled labour.
Angelkova said that her ministry has started talks with
universities and vocational schools to address the issue.