End of the model? Tourism in post-communist Bulgaria

Abstract

Deprived of major natural resources, but rich in recreational and cultural tourism attractions, Bulgaria emerged on the international tourism market in the 60s as a typical sun, sea and sand destination. It used to be the most prominent foreign tourism receiving country within COMECON from the 60s to the late 80s, particularly attractive for vacations on the Black Sea coast. Later, due to the deterioration of the economic and political situation, the tourism sector fell behind developments in Southern Europe. In the period 1988–1992, foreign visitors, overnight stays and hard currency income declined dramatically. The stagnation trend has remained in the last years (1993–1995). The main reason for this is the loss of the ex-socialist countries' market providing 80% of the overnight stays prior to 1990, as well as the virtual absence of promotion on other markets. Given that for Bulgaria there is no alternative to tourism development, the restructuring and rejuvenation of the industry to adapt to the market environment, provision of greater variety and complementarity of the product, as well as serious efforts in training and retraining, are urgently needed.