site.btaBulgaria Can Increase Number of Camping Sites at Least Three Fold

Bulgaria Can Increase Number of Camping Sites at Least Three Fold

Sofia, April 23 (BTA) - Bulgaria can increase the number of
camping sites at least three fold both along the Black Sea coast
and in the interior of the country, as well as develop
bivouacking, Institute for Analyses and Assessments in Tourism
Director Roumen Draganov commented for BTA. There currently are
nearly 27 camping sites in Bulgaria, and 18 of these are at the
seaside. According to Draganov, the development of this type of
tourism requires the promotion of small investors' interests.

Draganov said that the State's task is to determine the terrains
which are public State property, give these a proper status and
seek initiatives with municipalities so that these recreation
sites can be constructed. The State should also assist in the
provision of proper infrastructure: electricity, water, gas for
the new camping sites, he added.

Promoting this type of tourism is also tied to new employment
opportunities in detached areas where another type of business
activity cannot be developed, the expert said. The development
of camping will also attract world practices in the form of
franchising, which is the best for every business because it
provides an 85 per cent success, he noted.

Camping will also attract rich tourists, particularly the
followers of the latest ecological trends of camping with
luxurious caravans, Draganov argued. However, they need to be
offered holiday opportunities that are comparable to those in
other European countries. For this type of tourism, Bulgaria can
attract tourists from France, the United Kingdom, as well as
countries in Central and Eastern Europe, he added.

Around a month ago, Tourism Minister Nikolina Angelkova said
that in the last years there has been an increase in the demand
for camping holidays and that the regulatory framework
concerning this type of accommodation will be improved.

The Tourism Ministry specified for BTA that they are working
actively on the amendments and expect the draft statutory
instrument to be ready by the end of May.