|
|
|
 |
|
| Bulgaria’s entry into the EU boosts tourism on the Balkans and makes it more attractive for tourist and property investors |
| post date: Monday 02nd of October 2006 |
|
|
Bulgaria’s entry into the EU boosts tourism on the Balkans and makes it more attractive for tourist and property investors
The induction of Bulgaria into the European Union (EU) in 2007 is expected to boost tourism in Eastern Europe in a big way in general and the Balkans region in particular.
Bulgaria is getting ready for 12% to 15% rise in foreign tourist arrivals in 2007, which means the country expects a total of 5.6 million tourists.
Joining the European Union increases the visibility of a country as a tourist destination.
Tourism in Bulgaria rose in 2006 by fetching a record-breaking amount of 1 billion euros.
The positive development in Bulgaria has prompted travel agencies to hire travel consultants with unique knowledge of Eastern Europe to deal with specific enquiries on the Balkans holidays.
The increase in the number of tourist arrivals, according to an official of directline-holidays, points to a bright future for tourism in the Balkans. “Tourism in the Eastern European countries in general and the Balkans in particular has been gaining popularity when compared to the countries in Western Europe,” he says.
Analysts in the travel business say that tourists are realising that the Balkans holidays offer a range of goodies – from sunny beaches to world-class ski resorts. Besides, the Balkan states are among the countries offering the lowest prices for package tours.
With an increasing number of Britons choosing activity holidays and most of them turning to the mountain slopes, a boom in Bulgaria’s skiing holidays has followed, according to directline-holidays skiing product manager Natasha Akram. She says: “Bulgaria offers the most affordable winter sports holidays available in mainland Europe today, with Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo being the most popular resorts.”
Yet another factor that has attracted tourists to Eastern Europe in large numbers is the budget airlines. The no-frills, budget airlines have increased the number of flights they offer, even as competition is expected to bring prices down further.
After the inclusion of Bulgaria in the European Union, aviation companies no longer need government permission to secure landing rights.
All of these plus the low cost of living and fast growing economy, make investing in Bulgarian property safe and secure long - and medium - term investment. Bulgaria today remains amazingly cheap for Western Europeans and is still tipped by the media as one of Europe’s strategic "property hotspot."
|
| source: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
