site.btaUPDATED Tourism Minister Launches Bulgarian Summer Tourist Season

Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov officially opened the summer tourist season in the Saints Constantine and Helena Resort near Varna on Sunday. He pointed out that this is the oldest resort in the country and the beginning of mud and sea treatment in Bulgaria was laid there.

"In this resort one can heal both their mind and body," said Dimitrov, who presented the management of the complex with a diploma for its contribution to the development of the sector.

This summer season is forecast to see an increase in guest arrivals of between 5% and 7% compared to the sector's record year in 2019, Dimitrov said. He recalled that Bulgaria ranks sixth in the world in terms of industry recovery. Business is active, facilities are excellent, the big question is what quality of services will be offered, the minister added. He specified that Bulgaria traditionally expects many guests from Romania, but there will be an increase in the number of visitors from Poland, Czechia and Israel.

He pointed out that the tourism industry "imports" about 25,000 workers per year. He said that in 2023 too, traditionally, employees would be recruited from Central Asian countries. However, employers are now also looking at India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Commenting on the shortage of staff, the minister said a long-term strategy was needed to overcome the problem, which should be a priority for the next regular Cabinet.

Regarding the adoption of the 2023 state budget, Dimitrov said that he would insist on maintaining the 9% VAT rate for the sector. He said more funds should also be allocated for national advertising.

The tourism minister recalled that at the end of May more than 20 tourism ministers and delegates from 40 countries will arrive in Bulgaria for a regional meeting of the World Tourism Organisation. Bulgaria is a candidate for the Executive Council and there is a chance that the president of the organisation would become a Bulgarian, Dimitrov said.

Asked if there would be any changes to the camping rules and regulations this summer, he said changes required amendments to many laws, which would have to be proposed by a regular cabinet.

The opening ceremony was attended by ministers, MPs, representatives of the diplomatic corps, business, NGOs and academicians. Among the guests were Regional Governor Mario Smurkov and Metropolitan of Varna and Veliki Preslav Ioan.