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BY A CORRESPONDENT
March 12, 2007:
The induction of Bulgaria and Romania into the
European Union (EU) in 2007 is expected to boost tourism
in Eastern Europe in a big way in general and the
Balkans region in particular.
Bulgaria is getting ready for a 10% rise in foreign
tourist arrivals in 2007, which means the country
expects a total of 5.6 million tourists.
Joining the European Union increases the visibility of a
country as a tourist destination.
Even while Romania prepared for entry into European
Union in December 2006, the positive effects were
apparent as tourism increased by 20%.
Tourism in Bulgaria rose in 2006 by fetching a
record-breaking amount of 1billion euros.
The positive developments in Bulgaria and Romania have
prompted travel agencies to hire travel consultants with
unique knowledge of Eastern Europe to deal with specific
enquiries on the Balkans holidays.
The increase in the number of tourist arrivals,
according to an official of directline-holidays, points
to a bright future for tourism in the Balkans. “Tourism
in the eastern European countries in general and the
Balkans in particular has been gaining popularity when
compared to the countries in western European,” he says.
Analysts in the travel business say that tourists are
realising that the Balkans holidays offer a range of
goodies – from sunny beaches to world-class ski resorts.
Besides, the Balkan states are among the countries
offering the lowest prices for package tours.
With an increasing number of Britons choosing activity
holidays and most of them turning to the mountain
slopes, a boom in Bulgaria’s skiing holidays has
followed, according to directline-holidays skiing
product manager Natasha Akram. Says she: “Bulgaria
offers the most affordable winter sports holidays
available in mainland Europe today, with Bansko,
Borovets and Pamporovo being the most popular resorts.”
Croatia, a favourite tourist destination in the Balkans,
has grown to become a rival to traditional Western
European destinations because of its superb resorts, a
magnificent coastline and a sunny climate.
Croatia’s holiday destinations such as Brac, Dubrovnik
and Makarska are at present very popular, mainly owing
to their variety and affordability.
Yet another factor that has attracted tourists to
Eastern Europe in large numbers is the budget airlines.
The no-frills, budget airlines have increased the number
of flights they offer, even as competition is expected
to bring prices down further.
After the inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania in the
European Union, aviation companies no longer need
government permission to secure landing rights.
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