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According to the Federal Agency for Tourism, at a recent joint meeting of Russian and Bulgarian tourism officials, the Bulgarian side announced unprecedented measures to stimulate tourist arrivals in 2016. The steps announced by Bulgaria’s tourism authorities include:
- From 1 January 2016, the visa price will fall from €35 to €10.
- Children under 16 are exempt from the consular fee.
- Free visas may be offered to students holidaying at Bulgarian sanatoriums and to pensioners; the issue is under discussion.
- Russian tourists will be exempt from providing fingerprint data.
The Bulgarian side, represented by Tourism Minister Nikolina Angelkova and Bulgarian Ambassador Boyko Kotsev, also announced improvements to resort security in light of the growing terrorist threat. Measures include a call centre with Russian-speaking operators and more patrols in resort areas.
These measures are particularly relevant following the decline in Russian tourist numbers in 2015. Russian visitors account for a significant share of foreign tourists.
