We expect 2018 to be the most successful in the history of statistics in Bulgarian tourism with over 9 million tourist visits by foreigners. We also report 7.2 billion leva of international tourism revenue for the eleven months of last year - more than for the whole of 2017. The data will be reported at the end of this month. This means that the sector is developing very steadily and with each new year it builds on what has been achieved. This was announced by Minister of Tourism Nikolina Angelkova in the morning block of bTV.
2 million tourists are expected to participate just in the initiative of Plovdiv - European Capital of Culture 2019. This will give us another opportunity to show the diversity of our country to the world and the potential of Bulgarian tourism. The winter season also started very well with about 5% growth of visits, Minister Angelkova said. Most guests are from Greece, Romania, the UK, neighboring countries, even from our competitors Germany, Austria and others.
She emphasizes that this year's focus will be on investment in the sector and on domestic tourism. Investment tours will be organized to familiarize the business with the opportunities of Bulgaria as a year-round destination.
On the occasion of the demolition of the dunes in Camping Smokinia area, Minister Angelkova was categorical that the prevention of such Vandal acts would continue and the control would be uncompromising. Regardless of the regime of ownership, the Protected Areas Act states that the dunes should be protected by all. The legislation provides for up to 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of 2,000 to 10,000 levs. She thanked all the institutions that responded promptly and took the necessary measures and promised even greater control. The ministry has already set up its mobile teams, which will monitor the Black Sea all year round, not only in the summer. Because of this prevention it is foreseen with the amendments to the Law on the Structure of the Black Sea Coast to increase the amount of sanctions - up to BGN 50 000 for legal entities
Asked about the development prospects of Bansko ski resort, Minister Angelko explained that for the economy of the country it is important to develop winter tourism not only in Bansko but also in Borovets, Vitosha, Pamporovo and the resorts in the Balkan Mountains, observing the ecologically active Bulgarian and European legislation. She specified that the Ministry of Tourism was not the authority responsible for adopting management plans for national parks, as well as concession procedures for mountain resorts.
There is no way to comment on the decision of the SAC for Pirin Park, everyone is obliged to observe it, Minister Angelkova said.
