Restoring air connectivity with Germany is a key priority for Bulgarian tourism, Minister of Tourism Ilin Dimitrov stated to bTV. This positive trend is supported by an agreement for 100,000 to 150,000 additional airline seats for the next season, representing a growth of 25-30% compared to the current year. According to the Minister, this will provide predictability for businesses. However, representatives of the tourism sector insist that efforts must continue in two main directions: more charter flights and extending the average length of stay for tourists.
Attracting German tourists remains of primary importance, as this market is traditionally characterized by earlier travel bookings and a stay duration of at least seven days, which guarantees high hotel occupancy. Efforts in this direction follow a difficult start to the current season, which was marked by the loss of 200,000 seats. Minister Dimitrov explained that the reason for this deficit lies in the flawed actions of the previous regular government, which failed to resolve a conflict between two major market players back in October. Despite these difficulties, joint efforts with the private sector have managed to offset the negative impact, steering the season toward results comparable to last year's.
Parallel to this, legislative changes are being prepared to regulate short-term rentals, aiming to bring the sector into the formal economy. By standardizing the tourist tax, all market participants will be placed on equal footing. "We are not fighting against short-term rentals, but let everyone follow the rules," Dimitrov emphasized regarding the new regulatory regime. The second important step in the proposed amendments provides for half of the collected funds to be reinvested back into the industry in the form of advertising and air connectivity. Municipalities will be able to decide how these funds are directed toward festivals, concerts, and other events that attract visitors.
The Minister sees an opportunity for "Eurovision" to be used as a platform for large-scale international promotion of Bulgaria. According to him, such an event could generate thousands of positive messages about our country by engaging journalists, influencers, and travel vloggers. "Eurovision is a chance to show how beautiful our country is. To show thousands of positive messages through journalists, travel vloggers, and influencers," Dimitrov concluded.