Minister Borshosh launched the preparations for the summer season on the Black Sea coast

The tour started from Varna, without the participation of the mayor despite the invitation

Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh started a tour of the Black Sea coast to check the readiness for the upcoming summer tourist season, with Varna being the first stop on his agenda. During his visit, the Minister held meetings with the academic community, control institutions and local government representatives from the Northern Black Sea coast to ensure full coordination and readiness to meet the expected intense tourist flow in 2025.

 "The industry has been writing to me for a month now – people are worried that Varna is not ready, but bookings for Easter are already happening and hotels will be full. It's been dug up, there are reports of poor hygiene and expectations are high – Varna is key to a successful season. That is why I am here to see on the ground what the real situation is and what is coming," said Minister Miroslav Borshosh during his meeting with the local authorities. He stressed that personal dialogue with mayors is key for him: "Tell him that it is important for me to see the mayor of Varna. I don't know why he doesn't care to see the tourism minister," the minister said, addressing the deputy mayor of the maritime capital.  

Progress on key infrastructure repairs, participation in international tourism exhibitions and upcoming major events for the region, both of strategic importance to the promotion of North Black Sea destinations, along with those that are a draw for tourists, were also discussed.

The Minister insisted on tighter control over the timing and quality of renovation works in the city. "Insist on contractors meeting deadlines. I know the situation you are in – but every day delay, in the end, affects us all. Meet the mid-May deadline. There is one correct approach to dealing with incorrect construction companies – penalties," Borshosh said.

During the coordination meeting with mayors from the Northern Black Sea coast and representatives of control institutions, specific local cases were discussed – from the lack of security in protected areas to unauthorised camping. Municipalities such as Dolni Chiflik and Shabla reported systematic problems with parking of campers and caravans in sensitive areas, enforcement of controls but with ineffective measures and legal uncertainty.

The control authorities in turn reported the level of preparedness for the upcoming season. Representatives of the Border Police, BFSA, RHI, CPC, Labour Inspectorate, Maritime and Airport Administration reported increased attention, mobilisation and coordination. An increase in tourist flow of over 20% is expected, especially from Germany. Varna will welcome passengers with new flights, including a direct service from Abu Dhabi, and airlines are already planning to expand their bases.

"We have every reason to expect a stronger season than last year, but this should not reassure us. We have a clear task – to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for tourists to relax, and that starts with cleanliness, safety and order," Minister Borshosh said at the end of the meeting. He also addressed the issue of medical provision on the beaches and in the resorts, warning that the shortage of medical staff remains critical and urgent solutions will be sought together with the Health Ministry.

The Minister thanked the institutions for their active role, but reminded that the 2025 season will be a test of the confidence of Bulgarian and foreign tourists. "You are all here, you are all on the level. But let's not kid ourselves – we have a lot of work ahead of us. Our teams will be on the ground throughout the season. Tourism doesn't happen in offices – it happens here, on the ground," he stressed.

Minister Miroslav Borshosh also met with the Rector of the University of Economics – Varna, Prof. Dr. Evgeni Stanimirov, with the management of the College of Tourism and the Department of Economics and Organization of Tourism, as well as with representatives of the tourism industry. The meeting was attended by the Governor of Varna Prof. Dr. Andriyana Andreeva and the Co-Chairperson of the Varna Tourism Chamber Prof. Dr. Stoyan Marinov. The possibilities for more active interaction between the universities and the tourism industry were discussed, with a focus on the training of personnel who meet the modern requirements of the sector. The Minister stressed that knowledge and education should be the backbone of modern Bulgarian tourism.

After the meeting with the control authorities in Varna, Minister Miroslav Borshosh, accompanied by Deputy Minister Irena Georgieva and prof. Andreeva, headed to Golden Sands resort for a meeting with representatives of the tourism industry from the Northern Black Sea coast to share their ideas, proposals, strategic goals and expectations for the 2025 season.