The industry in Varna reports about a 23% increase in advance reservations, but despite the increased interest in the run-up to the summer season, hotels and restaurants are starting with an acute shortage of labor. Industry representatives point out that it is necessary to search for employees from increasingly distant destinations such as the Philippines, India, Indonesia and Nepal, along with the traditional Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Nova TV specifies.
According to Pavlin Kosev from the Varna Association of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers, the problem is not new and does not only affect tourism. “There is a shortage of labor not only in tourism, but also in all other industries“, he emphasized, adding that in the summer the need for personnel logically increases due to the increased capacity. “Despite efforts to train personnel, including through vocational education, the shortage remains”, Kosev believes.
An additional difficulty is created by the administrative procedures for hiring foreigners. Kosev believes that the process is slow, registration and issuing visas can take weeks. “Nothing more can be done at the moment. Visas must become electronic“, Kosev is categorical. In parallel, a smaller number of flights to Varna is expected, but the business is counting on redirecting tourists from riskier destinations such as Turkey and Egypt.
Despite the challenges, expectations for the season remain optimistic. In addition to the growth in reservations, a series of events such as the Sunwave international music festival and the upcoming SPA and Wellness forum are expected to attract thousands of guests.