Although the restrictive measures in Europe and around the world in connection with the Covid-19 pandemic are becoming more and more strict, owners of hotels and guest houses in Bulgaria’s resort of Bansko in the Pirin Mountain are optimistic about the upcoming winter season. The constantly growing number of people infected with Covid-19 in Bulgaria and around the world has so far failed to kill the hope of the locals in the resort that by the end of the month the situation will calm down and allow the winter season to take place. "The tourist industry is fighting for survival, not for profit," Rumyana Monevska, a representative of a large hotel in the resort, told BNR-Blagoevgrad. As for the tourists expected in Bansko this winter, Monevska said:

"What we know for sure is that at the moment Bulgarians are first. We have many inquiries from Greeks, Macedonians. We do not expect English and Russian tourist this year. In England things re getting worse and worse, moreover, in the summer the UK did not allow its citizens to travel for their holiday to Bulgaria, why will it do so in the winter? Price reductions are also something that is perfectly fine, given the situation we are in. Compared to last year, prices in hotels and other accommodation are expected to be reduced by 10 to 15%.”

Discounts are also expected to be made by the concessionaire of the ski facilities and ski slopes in the resort, known worldwide for its seven-time hosting of Alpine Ski World Cup races.

At the moment, the preliminary bookings for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays are still timid. However, those employed in the industry do not lose hope, recalling a similar lull in the summer, when in mid-July they saw a serious decline in tourists. After that, however, especially in August, thousands of Bulgarians chose to spend their holidays in the resort town.

Compiled by Joan Kolev