site.btaUrban Tourism Turnover in Varna Up by 15-20% Compared to 2022, Says Expert

The turnover of urban tourism in Varna compared to last year has grown by 15-20%, the head of the Varna Association of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers (VARH), Pavlin Kosev, told journalists. He stressed that this not the profit of the sector, which was actually "eaten up" by inflation and increased costs for energy, wages, etc.

Urban tourism is generally sustainable, because it relies on congresses, sports and cultural events, and after the pandemic, they are recovering, commented Kosev. He noted that there is a lot of speculation on the topic of raising VAT. It is normal to have a dialogue between the State and businesses, to seek a balance, Kosev pointed out. He recalled that in neighbouring countries, which are Bulgaria's competitors in the field of tourism, the tax is low. If it rises here, it will make Bulgarian businesses uncompetitive, Kosev pointed out. He added that many other sectors of the economy that rely on tourism to sell their goods and services will also be affected.

Kosev was among the organizers of the seventh edition of the tourist expo, titled "Destination Varna", which begins Thursday in the St. St. Konstantin and Elena resort. The event is co-organized by the ProVox agency for marketing communications, in partnership with the Municipality of Varna and the Ministry of Tourism.

It is important for professionals in the industry to meet at least once a year, because most of their problems are common, explained Kosev. As an example, he gave garbage collection and the need to introduce underground containers in this country. There are already good practices, but they are single instances, he added.
For the first time this year, participants from Romania will also be present at the expo. Within the framework of the planned conference, a master class led by managers and experts will be held. Professionals from Turkiye, Italy, Greece will share their successful sustainable practices with the expo participants.