The impact that the new coronavirus has dealt on tourism, especially before the start of the busiest season of the year, is an indisputable fact. However, now is the time to talk about the outcome of the pandemic and the practical possibilities for the recovery of the tourist sector as well as to draw up an action plan in case of a recurring crisis or the development of another global crisis. We must learn to live side by side with crises, says the expert in tourism and digital marketing Ruslan Yordanov, to whom Radio Bulgaria turned for an opinion. As an author and creator of one of the most popular Bulgarian information portals for tourism (bgtourizm.bg), he closely monitors the trends in the sector. Regarding the current situation, Ruslan Yordanov claims that in order to think about development, we must observe the three "D"s - discipline, distance and disinfection.

"Today, tourism in Bulgaria needs many things, but three are sticking out - education, attitude, and respect”, says the expert. “The past months have been a test for our employers and our business. Today, however, everyone must find an individual approach - to be active, different, innovative. Bulgarian hoteliers suffered huge losses, but most of them took action. I strongly believe that the government will find additional mechanisms to offer help to the sector. The first steps have been taken, but the state alone cannot be relied on. So let's not just sit and wait, but look for new opportunities."

One of these possibilities is the widely discussed options for "tourism vouchers". Yet, Ruslan Yordanov sees them as effective in a slightly different manner.

"Bulgaria's greatest wealth is free – its nature, mountains, clean air, seaside, mineral springs - and we must use it. We have an extremely strong organization – the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and Spa Tourism. We could use them for strengthening the immunity of Bulgarians and for prevention of diseases. I personally would support the introduction of this type of vouchers."

With the idea to somehow support the tourism industry in Bulgaria, in May this year Ruslan Yordanov organized an online tourist exhibition "Book a vacation in Bulgaria" via his website:

"The goal was to give people in the sector hope so that they could start planning and selling again. 150 participants, including municipalities, tourist companies, hoteliers, restaurants, tourist attractions took part in this first-ever online alternative to standard tourist fairs. This time they had the opportunity directly from their home, from their mobile device, to get acquainted with the latest and most attractive offers on the tourist market. We also managed to show that in Bulgaria there are beautiful places where a high quality tourist product is offered. We were supported in our endeavor by popular personalities such as Hristo Stoichkov, Maria Grozdeva, Yordan Yovchev and others. Tourism in general is a way of life. Tourism is each one of us. With our vision, with our actions we represent not only ourselves, our businesses, our employers, our families, but also our homeland”.

English version Rossitsa Petcova