Hotels at Bulgarian Black Sea coast cut prices as the peak summer season passes

Hotels on the Bulgarian Southern Black Sea coast offer lower prices for holidays in September. Offers are about 30% cheaper compared to those at the height of summer. The hope is that the season will last until October because of the warm weather.

The season of discounts on the Southern Black Sea coast has begun. A holiday in September was a good deal for Nelly's family of three, who come for a holiday to Pomorie for the tenth year in a row.

"It costs about 130 BGN per night. We are going there for 10 days. The food is for free. Maybe the overall cost is about 2,500 BGN for 10 days. The sea is calm, the attitude of the people is wonderful," said Nelly Ivanova, a tourist.

Room rates at hotels during the shoulder season are reduced by between 15 and 30%.

"At the moment, tour operators offer the so-called "extras" – you pay 5 nights, and get a holiday for 7. Or for 7 nights, but your stay is for 9. In the private sector, you can find apartments for 60 - 80 BGN per night for a family of four", explained Delyana Tsoneva, President of the Regional Tourist Chamber in Bourgas.

Despite the better offers, a boom of Bulgarian tourists is not expected in the autumn.

"They are mainly going to Turkey as competitors' prices are also falling. Only maybe the English tourists will remain in early October," said Ivan Kiryazov, a tour operator.

"We have stated a closing date of October 17. It's weaker than last year, but as is the trend this year - at the last minute we expect increase in the number of tourists," said Penka Chakirova, manager of a hotel in Sunny Beach.

According to tour operators in the resort of Sunny Beach this summer season is dominated by low-budget tourists who have no interest in additional services and excursions. They also report a decrease in the length of stay in hotels.

"We see tourists staying for 4 - 5 days. This is a duration that is trending as a decrease. It is not the season that was expected and it is definitely weaker than last year. Maybe 10 - 15%," said Ivan Kiryazov, a tour operator.

The tourist chamber reports otherwise:

"Growth in the number of tourists is mostly seen from the Bulgarian market, English, Scandinavian market, Poland, Czech Republic. Around 15%, but this is still early statistics", said Delyana Tsoneva, President of the Regional Tourist Chamber in Bourgas.

The final assessment of the season will become clear in a month.