Sun, Nov 22 2009
Bulgaria's State Agency for Tourism says that the number of tourists visiting spa resorts will increase by 75 per cent in the next three or four years.
Investors have been working on spa tourism projects for a long time, Kapital daily reported.
There are spa centre and hotel construction projects in, among other places, the well-known destinations Sandanski, Kyustendil and Apriltsi. These regions boast favourable natural resources and, unlike other traditional resorts, are not burdened by overbuilding.
Major spa projects have already influenced the property market, in certain regions further boosting property price increases.
The regions of Bansko and Razlog have emerged as the most popular among investors.
According to real estate agency Address, eight vacation complex projects with a total built-up area of 50 000 sq m are underway in the village of Banya. The village is near Bansko and has 70 mineral springs.
As a result, average land prices in the region went up, reaching 40 to 100 euro a sq m, Address said.
A major spa project in Kyustendil will result in a hotel and apartment complex of 32 055 sq m area. The centre will target wealthy clients.
National Statistical Institute (NSI) data said that residential property prices in Kyustendil increased by 11 per cent in the first quarter of 2007.
The Black Sea town of Pomorie has approved a proposal for the construction of a spacious and modern marina, with a capacity of over 600 yachts and small passenger ships.
Over the course of a year, from one of the leaders in Europe in new construction, Bulgaria became one of the countries currently quagmired at the bottom of the table and was now amongst the three worst hit countries, along with Romania and Slovenia.
The park is posed to act as an economic stimulant in the region, creating a modern infrastructural base for companies. It is set for completion by Q3 of 2010.
Both retailers target at least 50 outlets in Bulgaria by the end of 2010.
When will Bulgaria’s real estate and construction sector recover?