The camping industry in Europe has seen a significant upswing, with a 30% increase in the number of campers since the pandemic.
The Chairman of the Bulgarian Camper Association Yordan Ibrishimov told Euronews Bulgaria that the country already has 16,000 registered caravans. However, one serious problem remains - the lack of campsites that adhere to European standards and the high prices due to the lack of competition.
Lagging
Comparatively, Bulgaria's camping infrastructure lags significantly behind its neighbors.
„We are practically at ground zero,” noted Ibrishimov, pointing out that Bulgaria has only around 20 registered campsites, while Romania proudly hosts over 460. This stark contrast highlights a missed opportunity to exploit Bulgaria's natural beauty for camping tourism.
Price speculation and lack of facilities
The few available seaside campsites in Bulgaria do not meet the requirements, and the owners often set excessive prices due to a lack of competition. Ibrishimov criticized these practices, noting that some campsites charge twice as much as those in prime locations such as the Venetian Riviera, offering minimal amenities. And campsites in our country, which offer nothing but a meadow and toilets like from "Survivor", charge double the prices. But while in Italy the prices start at 35 euros, in our country they are double.
„This is outrageous,” he said, calling for government intervention to more effectively regulate and promote camping tourism.
Vision for quality camping
For a campsite to be attractive, it must offer space, tranquility, entertainment options, adequate sanitary facilities and playgrounds. Unfortunately, according to Ibrishimov, Bulgarian Black Sea campsites do not meet these criteria.
He stressed the need for improvement not only to attract more campers, but also to keep up with booming camping tourism in countries such as Germany, France and Italy. Without action, Bulgaria risks being overshadowed by emerging camping destinations such as Bosnia, Montenegro and Albania.
Call to action
The message is clear: Bulgaria has the potential to become a first-class camping destination thanks to its stunning natural landscapes. However, to realize this potential, significant improvements are needed in the quality and quantity of its campsites. By tackling these issues, Bulgaria can capitalize on the growing demand for camping in Europe and put itself on the map as a top choice for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.