The tourism sector in Bulgaria is facing challenges that affect both the shortage of qualified personnel and the changing needs of tourists. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krasimira Yancheva from the University of Economics Varna, a member of the Varna Chamber of Tourism, shares with Radio Varna about the problems and the future of the sector.

Main problems:

  • Lack of interest from young people due to difficult working conditions (long shifts, lack of days off, inability to take leave).
  • Outflow of students from specialties related to tourism to other sectors, especially IT.
  • Need to update curricula and practical orientation in training.

Solutions and perspectives:

  • Strengthening the links between business and educational institutions.
  • Development of digital skills and interdisciplinary thinking.
  • Focus on uniqueness and smaller tourist destinations.
  • Focus on the search for experiences, enjoyment and emotions with added value.
  • Development of intelligent, accessible, secure and safe tourist destinations by the municipalities.
  • Implementation of the concept of "regenerative tourism", which strives to "heal" and rejuvenate destinations.

Dr. Yancheva emphasizes the importance of motivating young people to work in the tourism sector and adapting the sector to the changing needs of tourists. The future of Bulgarian tourism depends on successfully dealing with these challenges.