A difficult though not impossible tourist season is what tour operators are expecting. They say that the travel restrictions in Europe and Asia are likely to generate a heightened interest in holidaying in Bulgaria for Christmas and the New Year.

According to Siyka Katsarova, chairperson of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism, families with children are going to appreciate the role of mountain resorts in enhancing the immune system of every family member.

“Pamporovo, Borovets and Bansko will be relying on tourists from Bulgaria and from the Balkans. The main thing will be safety and observance of the anti-epidemic measures set down by the government. Winter resorts such as Pamporovo have invested in the safety of their guests and strictly observe the measures, just like the world famous resorts in the Alps,” says Siyka Katsarova.

More flexible cancellation and reservation conditions and safety are the main factors in the choice of travel destination this winter. Tour operators are once again relying on the return of some of the Bulgarian tourists, this time to the winter resorts in this country. Tourists are going to opt for last minute reservations and payment, experts say.

“The autumn and winter season will be 100% last minute bookings. Even if customers have planned ahead and have made early bookings payment will be mostly a few days before departure. At the moment people are more cautious and only more flexible booking and cancellation conditions can stimulate the undecided tourists,” comments Petar Stoyanov, director of one of Bulgaria’s leading exotic travel companies.

The industry is to discuss the challenges and the opportunities for the coming winter season in a virtual studio at the Holiday & Spa Expo scheduled for 18-22 November.

Compiled by Elena Karkalanova