Bulgaria to target Russian tourists

Owners of property in Bulgaria could enjoy an increase in rental opportunities after the country announced plans to promote its tourism sector abroad.

The State Public Consultative Commission on Tourism, along with the Bulgarian government, has outlined proposals to market the country to holidaymakers in Russia and Scandinavia, according to Radio Bulgaria.

Next year will see a series of large-scale promotion campaigns in the areas in a bid to attract more solvent tourists and uphold visitor numbers in the face of the global credit crisis.

Proposals were also made to help develop a "new image" for Bulgaria to promote itself as a year-round destination and appeal to different types of tourists, with particular focus on the nation's spa and wellness attractions.

"The ongoing world economic crisis is the right time to step onto the foreign markets with the new message, 'Bulgaria, a year-round destination,'" said Stefan Sharlopov, president of the Bulgarian union for spa treatment and tourism.

Property owners in the country saw a 12 per cent increase in demand for rental accommodation between January and October of this year, according to data released by Address Real Estate.