Bulgaria has already entered the Covid-19 red color-code zone. The tourism industry is once again facing serious difficulties. However, the Bulgarian mountain resorts are ready to attract tourists under strict compliance with the anti-epidemic measures. Borovets ski resort in Rila Mountain is one of the favorite destinations for winter tourism both for Bulgarian and foreign tourists. Located only 70 kilometers away from the capital city Sofia, Borovets resort attracts tourists not only in the winter season. However, a drastic decline in the number of tourists has been registered in this Bulgarian resort in the recent months. According to data of Samokov Municipality, revenues from tourism have decreased by nearly 60%.

“The situation in the tourism sector is very difficult – Blagovestka Tomova, Chairperson of the Union of Hoteliers and Owners in Borovets resort, noted in an interview for BNR. - The situation is difficult not only for Borovets resorts, but for the country as a whole. The wage support schemes helped the people who meet the conditions keep their jobs. The request of the tourism sector to the authorities is to indicate the period in which these support programmes will continue, so the business can do the necessary planning. Uncertainty creates discomfort in all companies. We very much hope that the forthcoming winter season will be strong and we will avoid bankruptcies, because this would have many negative consequences not only for us, but for the entire region.”

Now, when the second wave of Covid-19 again limits tourism opportunities, the question is to what extent the sector is ready to meet the challenges. Samokov Municipality held meetings with hoteliers and restaurant owners from the region, in order to help them prepare for the winter tourist season and work out single rules for safe holiday.

“We used the summer tourist season to develop a programme with detailed rules and instructions both for the staff and the guests. The programme has been constantly updated and amended with instructions of the responsible institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health. We are following all global trends and watch what our colleagues abroad do. I think that we are now better prepared. We do not compromise the observance of these rules.  For us, the health and safety of our employees and guests is what matters the most.”

Soon, all hoteliers from Samokov region are to coordinate their programmes to obtain approval from the municipality and the Regional Health Inspectorate. The hotel owners mainly rely on Bulgarian guests and tourists from the Balkans. More tourists are expected to use their private cars to make their holiday safer.

An active advertising of Borovets resort and the area is being prepared as well. Each advertisement will benefit the winter tourist season, Blagovestka Tomova contends.

Compiled by: Darina Grigorova