site.btaInter-Ministerial Committee to Tackle Winter Resorts' Problems - Tourism Minister

Caretaker Minister of Tourism Evtim Miloshev said in an interview for bTV here on Saturday that an inter-ministerial working committee will be established to seek solutions to the problems in the country's winter resorts and reduce the administrative burdens on them.

Miloshev pointed to the lack of sufficient power supply as the biggest problem for the Borovets resort, as it hinders the sustainable development of tourism. To solve the problem, a new substation is needed to provide electricity for the facilities and the resort.

Commenting on the day-and-a-half-long power outage that was caused by fallen trees and easement problems two weeks ago, Miloshev suggested that the overhead electrical infrastructure be moved underground. He said the local ski operator and power distribution company are willing to invest in the project, however, permission is needed from the state.

Regarding the abolition of preferential VAT for tourism, Miloshev confirmed his Ministry's position in support of the industry. He added: "For sports facilities, the preference was abolished on July 1 [2024], which directly affects the price of the ski pass. This is undoubtedly a burden for tourism, but the price-quality ratio makes us a regional leader despite the price increase."

Miloshev added that tourism must go hand in hand with environmental standards to ensure sustainable revenues for the country.

Miloshev has already talked to caretaker Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Violeta Koritarova-Kasabova, of Environment and Water Petar Dimitrov, and will also discuss setting up a committee with caretaker Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov. The caretaker Tourism Minister specified that he could not offer a long-term solution, as that should be proposed by a regular Cabinet.