Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Has the money 'crisis' affected tourism?

Just wondering whether there were less tourists this year for the Christmas holidays (not locals as they would have seen the weather and not bothered). There are money problems everywhere - and I see less people on the mountain compared to last years webcam - but this may be due to weather conditions.

re: Has the money 'crisis' affected tourism?

Maybe....but on the other hand BG may attract people who would normally hit the Alpes!
Pete

re: Has the money 'crisis' affected tourism?

True Pete - but with lack of snow ..... I hate these temps! I'm in Greece at work - surrounded by children's winter clothes to sell and the temp is 18c outside!!!! (was 24c 2 days ago! - strange weather!)

re: Has the money 'crisis' affected tourism?

Borovets was much much quieter this Christmas than last year, although this week is a bit busier. I think next year will stuggle even more due to the weather this year..

re: Has the money 'crisis' affected tourism?

all flights from ireland were cancelled first flight out was 26th dec an i believe the tour companies cut flights and combined flights from various mainland uk airports.
the recession has hit ski / winter travel destinations.

re: Has the money 'crisis' affected tourism?

The recession has hit everything!!!! My sales (shops in Greece) have halved this christmas period compared to last year! Was glad I booked to go to Bulgaria before i realised my sales would be down - or we wouldn't have decided to go. Bit upset that I bought all the ski gear and probably won't be using it if the snow doesn't fall! My 6yr old said 'Never mind mummy - we can go walks and drink our wine!' That's my daughter! (The British side of her coming out over the Greek side!)

re: Has the money 'crisis' affected tourism?

Snow is a definite factor early season but I have been in Feb and March when conditions were great and skied on empty slopes last season. Bulgaria is still a fantastic place but due to price rises in the resort is no longer seen as being a significantly more affordable venue as so people that can afford to ski are going else where.

re: Has the money 'crisis' affected tourism?

prices this year the same as last year.. Bulgaria sill signifigently cheaper than a lot of places. In my own personal situation bookings from english and irish are 50% down but bookings by greek russian and romanians are uo 70%. Overall things look good for the season.... Just seems us english dont have the cash we used too

re: Has the money 'crisis' affected tourism?

Definitely a lot more Greeks in Bansko this year than last - seems that every second person is from there and when I went down the other week there must have been at least 20 coaches from Thessaloniki

re: Has the money 'crisis' affected tourism?

As I said snow is a major factor. (I'm not comparing prices with last season) True, they don't have as much money so they are now more inclined to spend their money more wisely. No doubt about Russian money though. Some would say there is quite a bit of it invested in the resorts anyway and as the Greeks only have to pop over the border it is no surprise that their bookings are up.