site.btaTourism Minister Nikolova Says Summer Season Opens on May 1 "with Clear Rules and Measures"

Sofia, March 14 (BTA) - Tourism Minister Mariyana Nikolova said
on Sunday that coordinated with the health authorities and the
Foreign Ministry, it has been decided that the new tourist
season will open on May 1. Nikolova made the announcement during
 a visit  to the National Astronomical Observatory at Mt Rozhen
which was streamed live on the Facebook profile of Prime
Minister Boyko Borissov.

Nikolova said that an order will be issued on Monday detailing
the measures to apply for the entire 2021 season for
accommodation, eating and entertainment establishments.

The Tourism Minister said the season opens a bit earlier than
customary but as there are holidays in in May, hotel managers
and tour operators need greater predictability so as to design
and plan holiday packages.

The May holidays, including the Orthodox Easter, are also
expected to attract visitors from neighbouring countries.

Nikolova said that the requirements for entry to Bulgaria have
been coordinated with the health authorities. She said that next
 week the EU is to pass a decision on a so-called digital
vaccine certificate. Nikolova said the Bulgarian government
agrees with this.

Health Minister Kostadin Angelov said that "green lanes will be
ensured for all tourists who want to visit Bulgaria".

He said that "most important is Bulgaria's participation in the
so-called green certificate for travel, which will be a common
European policy, and which will guarantee three options for any
visitor: proof of vaccination, antibodies after recovery from
the disease, or a negative PCR test". In Angelov's words, this
will facilitate travel.

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On Friday the Tourism Ministry said that money amounting to 9.4
million leva has been paid out to 149 travel agents and tour
operators, to be used for refunds for cancelled holidays from
March to December 2020. The payment is part of funding totalling
 51 million under one of the measures of the Ministry in support
 of the sector due to the coronavirus situation. NV/ZH