The upgrading of the country’s tourism infrastructure is one of the highest priorities of the Bulgarian Government, chiefly for its potential in generating hard currency revenues. Currently the main tourist areas are the ski resorts well known to Western Europeans and the Black Sea beach resorts long popular with East Europeans. In 2003 around 3.8 million tourists visited Bulgaria, some 180,000 of which came from the UK. The total visitor figures are up 17% on the previous year and the rising trend is set to continue well into the country’s full EU integration.
Projections for 2006 point to a near 30% growth of permanent employment within the tourist industry from the 130,000 currently employed. In addition are the seasonally employed workers.
Since 1999 virtually all of the tourism assets are privately owned and operated. As a result of the major investment and upgrade of the past few years, the tourist sector is now one of the fastest growing industries in Bulgaria.
At the end of 1998 a major US consulting firm in Bulgaria did a survey asking foreign investors in Bulgaria to identify which sectors of the economy would provide the best opportunities for new entrants. Seven out of ten respondents pointed to tourism which is already a source of tax revenue 2 to 3 times greater than its share of national income even though much of the industry is characterized by a number of shortcomings and problems, chiefly that the facilities on offer are below those that would be expected using international standards as a guide.
All of that should change however due to the Marketing Strategy and Action Plan for Bulgarian Tourism prepared under the EU’s PHARE program, which has started to encourage both private sector and public sector initiatives to build, restore, modernize and refurbish facilities and accommodation for tourists.
Indeed, as reported in March 2003 in The Times, Thomas Cook AG is creating a special fund amounting to 100 million Euros to be used for reconstruction and building of nearly 15 hotels in Bulgaria.

It is clear that whilst the country may not yet have the same ‘destination appeal’ as some of the better established destinations, its climate, varied scenery, rich cultural and historical heritage are all ingredients that will lead to positive changes, particularly as EU membership draws near. The comparatively lower cost of living is likely to remain a significant attraction to visitors and investors for years to come.

Sea Resorts

The eastern Bulgarian coast is washed by the Black Sea. 380 km marvelous stretch of beaches, calm and safe sea, clear water and healthy air, fine golden sand and natural dunes, mineral water springs, blue flag winning resorts, holiday villages and campsites.

Average air temperature in the summer is about 28°C, water temperature - 25°C. There are more than 240 hours of sunshine in May and September and more than 300 hours in July and August. The two international airports of Varna and Bourgass connects the Bulgarian Riviera to the world.

Northern Black Sea coast

Clean and calm sea with shallow sloping sandy bottom, wide beaches with fine grain golden sands, venerable forest and numerous mineral springs. All these features make the Northern Black Sea coast an attractive place for Bulgarian and foreign holiday-makers. Even the most refined requirements will be satisfied by the modern resorts of Zlatni Piassatsi (Golden Sands), Albena, Roussalka, Riviera, Slanchev_Den (Sunny Day), St.Konstantin and Elena.
The greatest fans of natural beauty and historical places can find peace in the Balchik Botanical Garden or the museum at Kaliakra horn.

Southern Black Sea coast

Picturesque bays and whimsical rocks, spacious beaches with sand dunes and warm sea create the attractive force of the Bulgarian Southern Black Sea coast. Wonderful nature in combination with modern construction - this is the magic of the holiday villages of Elenite, Sunny Beach, Nessebur, Sozopol To the north the long and indented coast line is bordered by the farthest spurs of the Balkan range and to the south - by the heights of the Strandzha Mountain. Even nowadays the unique culture in Strandzha is a part of attitudes and habits of Ahtopol, Tsarevo, Kiten, Primorsko In restaurants and bars foreign tourists are enchanted by the unique artistic atmosphere of the Strandzha fire-dances. History, culture and luxury combined together - this is the Bourgass Black Sea coast!

Ski Resorts
Mountains

Bulgaria is fortunate not only in having wonderful coastal resorts but in also having amazing mountain resorts. These resorts provide a huge range of sports and past times for visitors. The mountain resorts offer facilities during both summer and winter seasons. The various mountain ranges of Bulgaria are truly beautiful with spectacular snow cap mountains and vibrantly colourful deep valleys. Offering amazing investment opportunities in these areas as prices compared to the coast are so low.

The oldest and most famous resorts are :
Rila Mountain
BOROVETS

Borovets is the oldest and the biggest mountain resort in Bulgaria. It is located 1350 metres above sea level on the northern slopes of the Rila mountain among age-old pine woods. Borovets is easily accessible, at a distance of 73 km from Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) and 126 km from Plovdiv. Borovets has been developed into a modern ski resort of high class with luxury hotels, restaurants, discos, shops and of course an excellent network of ski runs. Borovets provides excellent opportunities for a whole range of winter Alpine sports, cross-country skiing, ski jumps and biathlon. The resort has twice hosted World Cup Alpine skiing rounds. Its biathlon track is one of the best in the world. The slopes of Borovets have a permanent snow cover from November to May, more than 1.5 m thick. The air in Borovets is crystal clear and free of any pollution.

Pirin Mountain

The newest Bulgarian winter resort, recently discovered by the tourists, Bansko provides an interesting combination of the virgin nature of Pirin Mountain and the atmosphere of an ancient Bulgarian town.

• Location: At the foot of the majestic Pirin mountain, 160 km from Sofia and from Plovdiv, 60 km from Blagoevgrad, at an altitude of 950 m. The distance from Istanbul, Turkey, to Bansko is 340 km. It takes two hours from Thesaloniki, Greece and 30 min from the Greek border.
• The average temperature during January, the coldest month is minus 19°C.
• Magnificent ski area: The Pirin Mountain slopes offer runs and tracks for all types of skiers, from beginners to experts. Slalom and giant slalom runs are available in the Shiligarnika region.
• Comfortable travel: Bansko is equipped with gondola lift, specially designed to protect you from harsh weather conditions

Rodopa Mountain
Pamporovo

Pamporovo is a modern ski resort in the heart of the Rodopi mountain range, the mountain of the mythical singer Orpheus. It is the southern most skiing resort in Europe. It is the sunniest Bulgarian winter resort with wonderful snow throughout the whole season. Pamporovo is situated 1650 meters above sea level. It is 260 km away from Sofia and 85 km from Plovdiv. Pamporovo has an exclusive climate featuring a soft winter with about 120 sunny days during the skiing period.

Price Guide

Household expenses are below those of EU states. A typical 4 persons household will pay around 50 leva for their electricity & water during the summer. Fuel costs are also low, with Gasoline 98 Super costing between 1.30/1.40 leva per litre.
Last but not least – going out in Bulgaria is a great experience and excellent value.
Along sunny Black Sea coast you will find a colourful variety of restaurants, taverns, mehanas (Bulgarian’s version of a tavern), bars & pubs, discos & night clubs, casinos and cabarets. While there’s a place for every one’s taste and pocket, in general you will be amazed by the exceptional low cost of those warm, balmy, unforgettable evenings.
In a contemporary, stylish disco a local beer is around 2 levas, whilst the international brands are about 3. A measure of spirits (the local brew) –will set you back for less than 35p (1/2 a Euro). The extravagant can satisfy their taste for imported brands of whisky/vodka etc for little more than a couple of Euro.
And in restaurants that Paris would be proud to boast, you can accompany that five star meal with superb estate bottled wines for less than a third of the price. ‘All in all’, unbeatable value!

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