site.btaTourism Minister: Tourism Industry Can Respond to Power Outages, but Households Struggle

The caretaker government has already announced that it will take measures regarding the contracts with the electricity distribution companies, the exercising of control over them, as well as the evaluation of the overall electricity transmission system of Bulgaria, caretaker Minister of Tourism Evtim Miloshev said in an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio on Sunday. He reported that while the tourism industry is prepared to respond to any power supply problems thanks to the availability of generators, there were households that suffered power outages.

The Minister said that preliminary figures showed excellent results for the Christmas and New Year holidays with winter resorts, spa hotels, guest houses and family hotels having registered full occupancy.

Later January, Bulgaria will expect a visit from Montenegro's Minister of Tourism Simonida Kordic at the invitation of Miloshev. Talks have been held on the development of an air route between the capitals of the countries, Sofia and Podgorica. Miloshev said: "Let us not be hasty with expectations. I do believe however that this is a good sign. Air connectivity will make the Balkans a more attractive destination."

The Minister said that it is necessary to introduce a differentiated VAT rate in tourism, following the example of other European countries. He added that many leading countries have lower rates for restaurants and sports facilities. According to Miloshev, this is the only way for Bulgaria to be competitive, by having the state effectively support the tourism sector.