Bulgarian Hotelier: Eurovision to Boost Tourism, Not Prices

September remains one of the most popular months for a vacation on Bulgaria's southern Black Sea coast, with favorable weather and a more relaxed atmosphere continuing to attract visitors after the peak of the summer season. Veselin Nalbantov, deputy chairman of the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association and a hotelier, told Radio Varna that the tourism season does not end with August. He said September offers good conditions for a seaside vacation, with calm waters, suitable temperatures and fewer tourists. According to Nalbantov, demand for September holidays remains strong, and some hotels already have very limited availability. He said the industry is generally maintaining prices close to last year's levels, disputing claims that accommodation and other tourism services on the coast have become significantly more expensive. Nalbantov said hotels are not operating with what he described as “excessive prices,” arguing that businesses have to take customers' purchasing power into account. This year's main tourist flow to Sunny Beach has come from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania, alongside Bulgarian visitors. Meanwhile, the German and British markets have yet to fully recover, he said. Nalbantov also expects Burgas' hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest next year to provide a significant boost to tourism in the region. The international event is expected to bring additional visitors to the southern Black Sea coast, but he said there should be no drastic increase in hotel prices as a result. The hotelier stressed that the industry should take advantage of the additional demand while keeping prices reasonable and accessible to visitors. "September is one of the most favorable months on our Black Sea coast. Fewer people, a more relaxed atmosphere and excellent conditions for recreation," Nalbantov said.