The concessions contracts for the Slanchev Bryag – Sever and Nessebar – Yug beaches to be terminated

The concessions contracts for the Slanchev Bryag – Sever and Nessebar – Yug beaches will be terminated. This was announced during Bulgarian National Television’s morning news show by the resigned Minister of Tourism, Nikolina Angelkova. Numerous infringements were found at both beach strips over the years. In August this year another inspection by the Ministry of Tourism found that the authorized schemes for placement of portable facilities and extra retail area have not been complied with.

Two geodetic measurements were also carried out during the summer season, which accurately and in detail ascertained failure to perform the contracts. Back at the time Minister Angelkova commented that anyone failing to comply with the contractual requirements will be penalized.

All ascertained infringements were looked at by the Control Committee for the overall performance of concession contracts for sea beaches, which includes representatives of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of the Environment and Waters. The concession contracts are to be terminated pursuant to Council of Ministers’ decisions for 2015 (CoM Decision No 1015/22.12.2015 and CoM Decision No 1016/22.12.2105).

„Throughout summer control was more intensive and we imposed penalties worth BGN 341 000 for infringements found at the beaches“, Minister Angelkova said. She added that more penalty notification letters have been sent, with extreme steps to be potentially proceeded with in the event of no response from the concessionaires. „Regardless of the political situation, we continue working at full tilt, no one should believe that they can benefit from the situation and be imperfect under the contracts“, Nikolina Angelkova emphasized.

Preparation for the coming winter season was also discussed during the interview. „We are working at the double to be ready for the coming winter and turn into reality the positive forecasts”, the Minister of Tourism said. According to her, growth is expected from a number of markets such as the UK, Russia, Germany, Israel, etc. Orders for new flights have also been placed from advanced winter destinations such as Italy and Austria. In her opinion, we are expecting an increase of some 100 000 international tourists for the entire winter season. „The official stats for the recent months are yet to be published but we nevertheless expect to welcome a further 800 000 international tourists until the end of December 2016 and report on annual a total of 8 mil. tourists, who have chosen Bulgaria“, Nikolina Angelkova added.