Sun, Jul 05 2009
Over-construction of coastal resorts is a fact and represents major setback to the development of Bulgaria's resorts, head of the National Tourism Board Georgi Gergov said.
Foreigners pay 120 euro for a week-long vacation, Gergov said. The sum includes airport ticket, as well.
Only an inexpensive offer can compensate for the over-constructed resorts and the poor conditions there, Gergov said.
The chaotic construction in coastal and mountain resorts should end. Entrepreneurs, as well as the state lose from the lack of construction regulations, he said.
Mistakes made in the past can be corrected in case the proper infrastructure is provided and investors protect green areas in the resorts, Gergov said. Further state control is needed, as well.
The project will be financed by the Bulgarian Bank for Development, and the Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas, or Jessica Programme, although the report has so far failed to reveal the total cost of the vast enterprise.
The strategic plan envisages the conservation of the nature "for decades ahead", and it was formulated by a municipal team headed by professor Ivan Nikiforov, backed by Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev.
Once the overhaul and reconstruction of the Sofia–Vidin line is complete, it will cut travel time to three hours, as the train will be able to reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, shortening the journey to three hours.
Marriott however has made it clear that is not interested in investing in construction, but rather to occupy and manage existing buildings. Its strategy is to obtain management contracts.
Investors realise that it’s not viable to have a building remaining empty over the course of a year – so it's better for them to employ more flexibility to offset that loss.