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Bulgarian winter resorts attract tourist by promo packages



The Ministry of Economy, Energy, and Tourism expects a 3% rise in the number of tourists in Bulgarian winter resorts this season. This can only become true if March is snowy enough, the business says. Currently a number of foreign tourists spend their vacation in Bulgarian winter resorts. Most of them come from UK, Russia and the neighbouring Balkan countries.



The recent snowfalls have made conditions for skiing very good and the hotels are full. 60% of the foreign guests coming from the UK and Russia arrive with pre-paid tourist packages. A recent study among the foreign tourists has shown that they enjoy mostly the beautiful Bulgarian nature, as well the relatively low prices. This winter in order to attract more tourists, several resorts make big discounts reaching to up to 50%. The biggest Bulgarian resorts are also well-equipped with snow making machines, in order not to disappoint the enthusiasts even if the weather was bad for skiers. Currently, Bansko is the resort that hosts the biggest number of guests. Russians, Greeks, Romanians, and Turkish enjoy the beautiful Pirin Mountain, as well as the traditional dishes, served in the local restaurants. Those who do not want to spend their whole day on the ski runs, can enjoy the old architecture or join some of the folklore dance courses.
The resort of Borovets in the Rila Mountain also traditionally enjoys big popularity among local and foreign tourists. During the weekends Borovets becomes extremely attractive to the citizens of the capital city of Sofia, which is situated just 60 kilometres away. This winter the resort offers attractive weekend packages including ski equipment and instructors. The mountain resort of Pamporovo in the Rhodope Mountains also enjoys a big number of guests, many of them coming from UK, Russia and Ukraine. Hotels expect 30% rise in the number of tourists in comparison to 2010. They counted on a rising number of Greek tourists, thanks to the recently opened new border checkpoint, but the reality is different and people say the bad condition of the road on the Greek side during winter prevents a number of tourists from visiting Pamporovo.



Here is what Georgi Pamporov – chairman of the Rhodope Regional Tourist Association told Radio Bulgaria about the novelties in the resort.

“Guests have the opportunity to visit a number of tourist sites in the region. A popular service this season is going to the picturesque Perelik Peak by a snowmobile. The famous caves Uhlovitsa and Diavolsko Gurlo are nearby. One can also get acquainted with the local crafts and visit the ethnographic complexes of Shiroka Laka, Mogilitsa, and Zlatograd. Local cuisine is also among the delights that await tourists.”



The smaller resort of Chepelare is very close to Pamporovo, attracting a great number of Bulgarian tourists. Prices are low and one can spend the night in the local guest houses for just 10 Euro. A modern chair lift guarantees fast access to the ski runs, which provide excellent condition for the winter lovers.