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Thu, Feb 09 2012
Bulgaria needs 30 golf courses to be on the global map
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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This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained foul, abusive or discriminating language
This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained foul, abusive or discriminating language
What about the Perelik project and
construction of golf course at
Pamporovo? We could do with some more
summer visitors at the Chalets at
Pamporovo Village. Just a lot of
the usual hype to get us to buy.
still no word on the golf course in kableshkovo!
certently it was a big scam!
and no doubt that a lot of people were involved in misleading the investors, icluding local authorities and media!
congrats to everyone, you played the "game" and you won . . . peoples money!
nevertheless, lessons can be learned even from this, from now and on when I hear the phrase "bulgarian property market" it would as funny as the phrase "nigerian rocket science":)
I think you have got your figures completely wrong in this article. An 18 hole golf course requires no more than 70ha, 100ha max if in the middle of a real estate development. Quality of site, proximity to an airport and other golf courses are fundamental criteria for the viability of a project. Isolated golf courses near quaint rural villages as you suggest in the article have never developed into successful businesses. A professional assessment of Bulgaria's golfing potential is evidently required.
still no word on the golf course in kableshkovo. could someone who knows please have the decency to let us know.
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 [...]
Read the full comment ( 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 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