A sustainable tourist season on the Northern Black Sea coast is expected by the Minister of Tourism

Acting Minister of Tourism Evtim Miloshev expects a sustainable tourist season along the Northern Black Sea coast. After a meeting with the industry, mayors of municipalities and relevant institutions in Varna, Minister Miloshev emphasized that hoteliers from the region are more skeptical about the growth of tourists during the season compared to their colleagues from the south, and for Varna the increase is expected to be between 5 and 10%, based on early registrations, BNT broadcasts. Minister Miloshev pointed out that the industry along the Northern Black Sea coast is ready to welcome the summer season and outlined the main problems that need to be solved.

Among them are wild camping and the lack of water in the coastal part of the Dobrich region. Regarding seasonal workers from third countries, Evtim Miloshev recalled that the 90-day work visa can now be renewed in Bulgaria, without the foreigner having to return to his country, and his stay is automatically extended by another 90 days.

There are also changes for the “D” visa, which is valid for 9 months, Miloshev added. According to him, reliefs are being introduced in the documents that are submitted for the issuance and it is possible to continue it after its expiration. In connection with the shortage of workers during the summer season, the Ministry of Tourism will stimulate student employment.

Miloshev also pointed to the condition of the “Durankulak” checkpoint, through which tourists from Romania pass, as a problem. The capacity of the border post, especially in the active season, is limited and this creates tension. The minister outlined as problematic the new requirements for water rescuers under the Water Rescue Ordinance, which have left the concessionaires unprepared.

The requirements are related to licensing, the establishment of medical stations and the qualification of lifeguards. Before Miloshev, the concessionaires requested that the Ordinance, which has already entered into force, be postponed until the end of the year.