People working in the sphere of tourism say the outgoing summer season at the Bulgarian Black Sea coast has been chaotic and unpredictable. Despite preliminary concerns related to the war in Ukraine, the pandemic and the economic crisis, Bulgarian resorts were full this year - mostly with Bulgarian tourists, but also with guests from abroad. "Many of the tour operators with charter programs for Bulgaria this year initially increased their capacities and then reduced them, but in general the season is better than last year’s one," Desislava Dimitrova, a member of Burgas Regional Chamber of Tourism has told Radio Bulgaria.

It is still early to draw the balance, but the vibrancy in coastal hotel complexes and towns during the hot summer months was visible. The greatest interest was focused towards the southern parts of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, where some campsites and complexes reached 100% occupancy in the height of August. However, according to Desislava Dimitrova, galloping inflation "eats away" incomes of businesses:

“Certainly the revenue will be higher than last year’s, but not our financial results, despite the large compensation the state is currently paying for electricity bills. The reason is that our hotel business is facing huge costs that have increased by over 30%. Some of the charter programs end in mid-September, especially on the Northern Black Sea coast, while in the southern regions they continue until the end of the month. But many colleagues are already closing, because it is difficult to survive in the face of constantly rising costs and reduced tourist package prices, as this month they are about 30% lower than in July and August," Desislava Dimitrova says.

At the moment, many hoteliers by the sea offer last minute discounts, as people care not only about the prices, but also about the weather forecast for September and often book in the last minute. The good news is forecasters say the sea water temperature will not drop below 22°C until the end of the month.

"We don't have reservations that were made in advance, so as to ensure a stable season,” Desislava Dimitrova says. “But when the forecast is for good weather, like this week when it is expected that the temperature will reach 32°C, we have many last minute bookings. They are mainly for senior travelers and families with children that we are targeting in September. We currently have student groups, workshops and other events going on. That is why colleagues are positive and try to extend the season as much as possible. But it is not yet known what the compensations for electricity will be in the month of October for those who would like to welcome tourists in the coming month," Desislava Dimitrova says in conclusion.

English: Alexander Markov