Bulgaria’s Bansko ski resort is preparing for the winter tourist season

The tourist business in Bansko ski resort is preparing for the upcoming winter season. The first bookings have already been made, but at higher package prices than last year.

The local business expects a good season. They will again rely on tourists from Bulgaria, but there are already requests from other countries.

"Our information is that western resorts have raised prices significantly, which frees our hands and we know that the tourist flow will be directed to us. We are optimistic about the upcoming season," says Malin Bistrin.

"There are bookings coming in. Not only from Bulgarian tourists, but also from neighbouring countries, Israel, the UK. But, there are a lot of reservations received. The trend towards early bookings is returning," says Tsvetanka Bankova, hotel manager.

Due to inflation, hotels are raising package prices for the upcoming winter season by over 15%.

"Each one will calculate it depending on their expenses. You see the surprise in terms of prices of fuel and energy is huge. As well as with the pricing of food and other consumables. But, right now we are putting prices cautiously. We are not rushing because we want to be as friendly and competitive as possible in the market and especially to the tourists," Malin Bistrin said.

"In the New Year's season, the cost will be between 2,000 and 4,000 BGN, depending on the number of guests, the age of the guests in the room and what the package includes. Of course, we are now ready with the pricing policies and guests can take advantage of early bookings, preferential package conditions," said Tsvetanka Bankova.

This year again, the problem of hiring enough and qualified staff is proving to be the biggest hurdle facing the tourism industry. The Bulgarian workforce remains preferred by hoteliers, but according to them, they will have to rely again on workers from third countries.

The hotel industry hopes there will be no new requirements related to the Covid-19 pandemic, as this will scare off both tourists and prospective workers.