Good prospects for the Bulgarian ski season... as long as the snow holds!

published on 1/17/24 1:45 PM

Photo: BTA

The Bulgarian ski season is shaping up to be a success, workers in the industry are unanimous. The snowy winter, at least for now, gives reason for optimism, as does the number of bookings in Bulgarian resorts. In practice, the two military conflicts - in Ukraine and in Israel, do not have a serious effect on the macro framework of Bulgarian tourism, and in the coming months Bulgaria will welcome 1 million and 700 thousand foreign guests, according to forecasts of the Institute for Analysis and Assessments in Tourism.

"Here it is important to emphasize that we are talking about all forms of tourism. Skiing and snowboarding are expected to occupy about 20% of the tourist flow to Bulgaria. Part of the winter tourists also come for balneo, spa and wellness tourism, and another - for city, cultural and educational visits and business visits," said Konstantin Zankov, an expert in tourism, adding:

"Turkey, Greece, Romania, Macedonia, Serbia - these are our main tourist flows, as well as from the EU. Now we are struggling again to conquer the previous levels in markets such as Great Britain and Germany. Last year, the lack of snow had an unpleasant effect on the season and now we're seeing the effects. It's just that people are booking at the last minute to see if there's going to be snow. That's also creating holes in hotel bookings."

Inflation and economic uncertainty turn a ski vacation into a luxury experience for the average Bulgarian. The growth of prices in Bulgarian winter resorts continues, and this winter it is expected to be between 5 and 15%. However, Bulgaria is still perceived as a budget destination abroad. And the claims in some social networks that it is cheaper to ski in the Alps than in Bulgaria are not entirely accurate, Konstantin Zankov believes:

"There is an increase in lift tickets, as well as in the prices of some hotels, but definitely transport, food, entertainment, etc. are more affordable compared to the Alps. It is also important what we compare, for example, whether we compare the prices of the same categories of hotels in Bulgaria and in the Alps, etc.

There are often comparisons with Serbia, where the prices are much more favourable. However, the conditions there have nothing to do with resorts such as Bansko and Borovets. Let's not forget that international ski cups are held in Bulgaria, and this is indicative of the level of our winter resorts," says Konstantin Zankov.

For the first time this year, Bulgaria will host in one and the same season the World Cup starts in alpine skiing and snowboarding. On February 10 and 11 in Bansko, alpine athletes will compete in two of the most attractive disciplines - giant slalom and slalom.

Pamporovo will host World Cup level competitions for the first time. The two parallel slalom snowboard starts will be held on January 20 and 21. Meanwhile, the management of the Rhodope ski resort Pamporovo has announced that guests will be able to watch the performances of the world's elite athletes on the Stenata ski slope completely free of charge.

The two international events are expected to attract even more tourists to Bulgarian resorts this winter, Zankov predicts. The only thing left is to have good snow and cold temperatures until at least the end of March.