BULGARIAN TOUR OPERATORS FIND IT HARD TO FILL WINTER RESORTS

13:34 Tue 20 Nov 2007 - Spasena Baramova

There was a disproportion between the capacity of mountain resorts and the development of the largest Bulgarian winter markets, those in the UK, Russia and neighbouring countries, a Dnevnik daily research showed.

As a result of the construction boom, the number of beds in Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets increased by over 10 000 to more than 50 000, which was a 25 per cent growth for only a year, summarised information from hotel-keepers and municipalities showed.

At the same time main tour operators said the number of foreign tourists expected to come skiing in Bulgaria was going to be at best the same as last year.

The reason for this standstill was the memory of the snow-less 2006/2007 winter and over construction, Dnevnik daily said.

“There is definitely a dis-balance between the building-up and the bookings that could even lead to a price drop,” Solvex manager Galin Georgiev said.

Construction works in Bansko continue to be intensive. According to the municipality's statistics this year 13-14 000 beds would be added in new construction. Last year 9 000 beds were added. In the neighbouring Razlog and Dobrinishte there will be dozens of new complexes as well.

Construction rates in Pamporovo were similar. After the end of the winter season, active construction in the Borovets resort on the Super Borovets project would start.

Most of the big tour operators reported a drop in bookings on the British market. UK tourists account for about two thirds of foreign tourists in Bulgaria during the winter season. TUI Bulgaria's Valentin Iosifov said they came up with very attractive offers and managed to reduce the price decrease to 10-15 per cent. Galin Georgiev expected a 20 per cent drop on the UK market as compared to last winter. Balkan Holidays remained optimistic, reporting 15 per cent growth in bookings so far.

The second most important winter market for Bulgaria, the Russian, grew, but it could not make up for the decrease in the British market, tour operators commented. Leading companies on the Russian market Alma Tour and Solvex expected a 10 to 30 per cent growth in number of bookings. Balkantourist manager Nedyalka Sandalska said she expected a 15 per cent growth.

Comments

Comments by Dianne Hatton - 09:39 21 Nov 2007
	Yes the lack of snow last year is a major contributor to lower bookings for this year, but speaking with a friend in London who is one of the biggest private holiday companies in the UK and last year had 12,000 bookings in Bulgaria, he said. "I have taken Bulgaria off my holiday portfolio both the Sea resorts and the Ski resorts, simply, it is over-crowded, VERY over-developed, tacky and now over-priced". He goes on to say, clients would much prefer to spend £500 on 2 weeks in the caribbean than £600 in Sunny Beach and £400 for 2 weeks in Canada skiing than £700 in Bansko". "Bulgaria is promoting itself at 5 star holiday prices but offering a 2 star holiday".
Comments by John - 11:50 21 Nov 2007
	Dianne - I agree with your friend, I have been saying that for years: If you take away the value for money what do you have? Does anyone know if they have actually bothered to build and proper roads in Bansko yet??