Minister Angelkova meets with local government and control authorities in preparation of the winter season in Bansko

We are expecting circa 5% growth for the forthcoming winter tourism season. Regardless of the political situation, we continue working at full tilt to ensure that the positive forecasts come true and be as prepared as possible for the coming winter. Thus said the resigned Minister of Tourism, Nikolina Angelkova, at a meeting with representatives of the local government, control authorities, and the tourism industry in Bansko. The meeting was hosted by the Municipality Mayor, Georgi Ikonomov.

„We hold such meetings annually and they have proven themselves effective, especially in terms of coordination of institutional efforts“, Minister Angelkova said. She also presented expectations by markets and data about the number of scheduled flights to Bulgarian airports. At Sofia Airport the number of expected regular and chartered flights during the 2016/2017 winter season is 7 574, which is an over 35% growth compared to last winter. Growth is registered in a number of source markets – UK 51%, Germany 44%, Greece 45%, Romania 25%, Israel 58%, the Netherlands 34%, Sweden 103%, Switzerland 22%, Belgium 40%, Spain 79%, Italy 67%, Poland 7%, etc. The scheduled flights from the Ukraine and Denmark register a several-fold increase, with flight from Ireland and Georgia resuming this year, after a several years’ break.

Plovdiv Airport is also expecting growth in the number of flights during the 2016/2017 winter season. The Israel growth is over 20%, Ireland - over 67%, Russia – over 24%, etc. There is also increased interest from the UK.

„These stats are very positive but they also unequivocally require that we are as prepared as possible for to respond to the expectations of these tourists“, Nikolina Angelkova emphasized. She drew attention to the fact that this will be the third consecutive year of solid growth. During the period December 2015– March 2016 Bulgaria was visited by more than 1,2 mil. foreign nationals, with their growth compared to the previous winter season being circa 5%. The number of visits for the purpose of recreation and vacation was nearly 661 000, a growth of some 19%.

Later that day Minister Angelkova also took part in the meeting of the Committee on Economy, Tourism, and Energy of the National Association of Municipalities.