Changes to the regulation of recreational activities in Bulgaria are being prepared following a high-level meeting, urgently convened after a tragic incident involving a child. The news was announced by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), which specified that the goal is to guarantee consumer safety without imposing excessive restrictions on businesses.
The initiative comes after a child died in Nesebar on August 18 following an incident with a parachute towed by a motorboat. The tragedy shocked the public and created an urgent need to re-examine the regulatory framework governing extreme and recreational services.
The meeting, which marked the beginning of the legislative process, was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadzhov, as well as Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov. To cover the full range of issues, representatives of key institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Economy and Industry, and the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works were also included in the discussions. Supervisory bodies such as the Commission for Consumer Protection, the State Agency for Metrological and Technical Surveillance, the Bulgarian Institute of Metrology, and the Executive Agency "Bulgarian Accreditation Service" were also involved in the discussion process, which underscores the seriousness of the situation and the government's commitment.
According to information from the MTC, the deadline for submitting specific proposals to the Council of Ministers has been set for next Wednesday. This shows the authorities' determination to act quickly and effectively to prevent future tragedies.
Minister Karadzhov stated that the main goal is to achieve a clear definition of the safety requirements that organizers of such activities must comply with. "We will clearly define the safety requirements that the organizers of these activities must apply, without introducing excessive regulation in the sector", he explained. He emphasized that non-compliance with the new rules will have serious consequences. "Non-compliance will lead to severe penalties and the withdrawal of the rights to perform the specific service", Karadzhov added. As an additional measure for consumer protection, the minister also highlighted the introduction of mandatory insurance coverage. "It will be mandatory for everyone who provides these attractions commercially to also provide insurance for consumers", he specified.
What do the changes include?
The new regulatory framework is expected to cover a wide range of aspects:
- precise operating modes for operators;
- regulation of training and certification for instructors and guides;
- safety and emergency preparedness standards;
- medical and insurance coverage.
These measures are aimed at building a safer and more responsible environment for recreational activities in the country.
The incident in Nesebar served as a catalyst for urgent actions aimed at protecting the public interest and preventing the recurrence of similar tragedies.