OREANDA-NEWS. March 2, 2009. Bulgarian travel agencies have decided to reduce prices by 5-30% for organised tourist groups from other countries, first of all, Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. The information was released by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bulgaria to Belarus Petko Ganchev at a press conference held on March 2 on the occasion of the Bulgarian national holiday — the Liberation Day.

The head of the Bulgarian diplomatic mission underscored, the decision had been made to create attractive conditions for foreign tourists and increase their numbers because in recent years the number of holiday makers in Black Sea resorts of Bulgaria tends to drop a little. For instance, in 2008 the number of Belarusian tourists dropped from 28,000 to 24,000. As far as this year’s holiday season is concerned, Bulgaria expects to welcome last year’s numbers.

The Ambassador said they are discussing the possibility of lifting visa requirements for organised tourist groups but the decision has not been made yet.

Petko Ganchev said, at present Bulgaria boasts over 450 resorts with natural mineral water where recreation and treatment can be effectively combined. He also believes the number of Belarusian tourists in Bulgaria could increase considerably with the establishment of direct air service between Minsk and Sofia. In his opinion, the factor would also make recreation in Black Sea resorts of Bulgaria cheaper. At present Belarusian tourists travel to Bulgarian resorts via Vienna, Prague and Moscow, which affects the price for recreation.