Tue, Feb 09 2010
Golf as an industry has a tremendous potential for development in Bulgaria, yet until now it constitutes only 0.1 per cent of the economy within the industry sector with only four golf courses approved by the European Golf Association EGA.
Two more courses will open in 2009-2010, but industry experts believe that for Bulgaria to be competitive on the global golf market, as well as contribute additionally to the industry sector, entrepreneurs must think of ways to build no less than 30 more European-standard golf courses, as stated by council member of regional development Asen Gagauzov and Dzhevdzed Chakurov – minister of Environment and Water, Stroitelstvo Gradut reports.
The formulated task force also consists of members from the head of the National Agency of Tourism Anelia Krushkova, Deputy Minister of Regional Development Savin Kovachev, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Byurhan Abazov and Deputy Environment and Water Minister, Chavdar Georgiev.
The development of Bulgaria's golf industry would extend the summer season on the Black Sea coast from a current five months up to 10 months.
The idea is to develop the industry and attract an increasing number of upper-class affluent tourists to Bulgaria. The four golf courses in Bulgaria, currently approved by the EGA, are St Sofia, nearby Ravno Pole, outside of Sofia, Bleksirama and Lighthouse, near Balchik and Pirin Golf, on the outskirts of Razlog.
In 2009 and 2010, two more golf courses, Tration Cliffs near Cavarna and Golf Club Ibur, 10km from the ski resort of Borovetz, will be inaugurated.
One of the many reasons hindering the development of golf in Bulgaria is the lack of appropriate terrain. For an 18-hole course, 1000ha is needed, 500ha for a nine hole course. It is nearly impossible to acquire such land from a single investor. The high prices, of 10 or more euro per sq m, also make these inaccessible to investors simply because the entire 1000 ha area would be too expensive an investment. Research into the potential for new golf fields across the country could reap benefits. Green areas near small and isolated villages would put them on the map and contribute to the local industry, as well as promote the country's golf industry as a whole.
According to international practice, a municipality usually grants over a long period of time a large parcel of unused grassland to an investor who then builds build a lucrative facility. Those practices, however, have not been sanctioned in Bulgaria. The industry's future is likely to see government or municipal lands allotted to companies and then have them managed by a mixture of private businesses and local municipalities.
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A modern condominium equipped with a private beach, spa, bar and an outdoor swimming pool will be built on the north tip of the Zlatni Pyasutsi (Golden Sands) resort in Varna.
Lighthouse Golf Resort, the 70 million euro complex being built near Balchik on Bulgaria's northeastern Black Sea coast, will officially open in May 2009. Some 50 million euro of the funds earmarked for the project have already been invested, executive director Georgi Chouklev said at the ceremony inaugurating the golf course. Ian Woosnam, the Welsh golf pro who designed the course, is expected to attend the official
International hotel chain Riu Hotels & Resorts will take over at the Pravets Golf & Spa resort in Pravets, north-western Bulgaria, Terra Tour Service, the investor in the project, said. Riu has signed on to run a hotel with more than 200 rooms in the resort for a period of five years. The 70 million leva complex, which has an 18-hole golf course, among other facilities, has an area of 100 ha and should open for business by the autumn of 2009.
The project, which was approved by Bulgarian and Romania as far back as 2000, has been constantly hampered by complications that delayed its progress. Realistically achievable target for completion, according to the project manager, is June 2011.
Housing prices will rise by at least 10 per cent by the end of 2010, after hitting rock bottom in the first half of the year, an estate agency manager says - a view different to other agencies.
The business centre, poised to absorb about 60 million euro in investment, will be the tallest building in Sofia
The mall's builders have started using a nearby street as a construction site without the proper permit
Banks could be the key factor on Bulgaria’s property market in 2010
Along with about 30 others I have invested in a development on the premise of the golf course at to be built at Kableshkovo. Since the cutting the first turf ceremony we have heard nothing. The Bulgaria Golfing Association is unaware of any plans for this project, so have we, and all the others who considered this the main reason for buying in Bulgaria been misled?
Why is it difficult to get answers and can The Echo help in getting them ?
Keith,
Chairman
Salt Lake Owners Group ( SLOG )
Anyone knows if the Kabland golf course in kableskovo (hijata) will actually start?
i have done an article on this in the past,and since then i have found out that the golf course does not encroach the nature reserve and no objection is lodged by envoiromental issues any longer and this was posted in the press so why is there no comment being made to date about a commence date for construction
This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained
Message to Ron Macmillan.I too have invested alot of money near to village of Laka, buying land and having it regulated.I was convinced to do so due to the fact the 'Black Sea Golf Course' was shortly to be starte. I believe Lukoil Platinum Dev own the land and won a grant to develop the land. Nothing has happened and I wonder if these golf courses are all just talk to get the surrounding land sold.
I have seen the approved plans for a golf course 9 km east of Pamporovo and 5 km north of the village of Momchilovtsi.The proposed site is next to the Momchilovtsi Snowboard Park.Has anybody heard of any movement about its starting date ? Please send any relevant info to mailto:Franandig@hotmail.com [ Village hotelier. ]
why is there not alot of flights flying to bulgaria from belfast in Northern Ireland it a pity as there would be alot of interest
why was there an opening ceremony in oct. 2008 at the golf project in kableschkovo stating this was the start of construction,by the mayor AND the developers but was then suspended in january 2008 when no construction certficate had been granted to do so.and when you ask this question to the mayor office you dont get a reply,of any kind can your newspaper get this answered for the people who bought land in good faith from the stories your paper published on this project
why is there no golf courses in the south east area (sunny beach)
to be built, with all new property there they will be full with golfers even out of holiday season
Do you know are there any plans to start the kabland golf course ik kableshkovo near bourgas.
Our Golf Course Design firm is looking for projects in Bulgaria. Anyone who has a good networking ability should contact me at lemonsgolfdesign.com
your article is a proof of the fact that building an industry is not very easy and re: to professionals