The tension in the Middle East is already affecting bookings for a seaside holiday in our country. At a meeting in Varna, industry representatives said that there is a temporary delay in reservations. But against this backdrop there are also forecasts for an increase in the price of overnight stays by up to 20 percent due to inflation.
Due to the war in the Middle East, rising prices and inflation, many tourists are waiting before making reservations for their summer vacation, writes BNT. According to experts, resolving the conflict will be of key importance for the development of the tourist season in the coming months.
Ivan Groshev, Chairman of the Association of Incoming Agencies: "It matters how long the conflict will last and, accordingly, what effects it will have on the economy and consumer behavior."
If we assume that this will last 4-5 weeks, we can quite safely expect a renewal of the wave of bookings."
Nina Chamova, General Manager of a travel agency: "There is a drastic decline for destinations such as Dubai, Egypt, Tunisia. There are even warnings in some countries for destinations such as Turkey. People are deciding to travel to safer places. From this point of view, Bulgaria could once again take advantage of this situation.
Therefore, representatives of the industry believe that in such situations the most important thing is to advertise the country as a safe tourist destination.
Ivan Groshev, Chairman of the Association of Incoming Agencies: "Messages of stability, of security of the state must be broadcast, that we are not part and there is no reason to be part of any tension that is in the Middle East. So just a proactive communication policy and, accordingly, politicians not trying to sew us into the conflict in one form or another."
In addition to the international situation, the tourism sector is also affected by growing costs in the industry. Higher prices of fuel and services are the reason for the increase in the price of tourist packages. However, competition between tourist destinations limits the serious increase in prices for overnight stays – it will be about 20 percent.
Silvia Kyoseva, owner of a hotel in Sunny Beach: "There is an increase as much as inflation would be or in all other areas. Here we do not tolerate so much speculation, which people talk about so much, because the environment is very competitive."
Early reservations remain the best way to get a bargain vacation. And the tourism industry hopes that bookings will soon return to their usual rhythm.