BATA: The development of Bulgarian tourism requires personnel, control and better infrastructure
BATA Chairman Odisei Spasov: The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast has enormous potential, but real measures are needed for the sustainable development of the sector
On September 1, 2026, the Chairman of the Bulgarian Association of Travel Agencies (BATA) Odisei Spasov participated in the Nova TV broadcast, where current problems and prospects for Bulgarian tourism, the development of the Black Sea Coast, the shortage of personnel, the gray sector, the prices of tourist services and the need for better infrastructure were discussed.
The interview also focused on important news for the upcoming summer season - two major airlines from six airports in Germany will operate flights to Varna and Burgas in 2027.
According to the comments in the studio, this is a positive signal for Bulgarian tourism and the result of laying the foundations for more targeted policies and instruments for the development of the sector.
Personnel – one of the most serious problems facing tourism
BATA Chairman Odisei Spasov paid special attention to the problem of human resources in tourism, which continues to be among the main challenges facing Bulgarian hoteliers and the tourism business.
According to him, when hiring workers from third countries, administrative procedures often delay and the arriving employees are insufficiently trained.
This inevitably affects the quality of the tourist service.
“When hoteliers submit documents to hire employees from other countries, the documents are prepared very late, unprepared people arrive and start serving tourists. That is where the negative attitude of the Bulgarian consumer, who has already paid for the specific vacation, begins, and dissatisfaction arises,” Spasov pointed out.
According to BATA, the solution is not only in increasing the number of workers, but in better organization of the process, timely preparation, training and control over the quality of the services provided.
The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast has potential, but infrastructure remains a problem
Odisei Spasov emphasized that the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast has exceptional natural features and tourist resources.
The beautiful beaches, the sea and the variety of tourist products are a serious competitive advantage for Bulgaria.
At the same time, however, a number of problems continue to affect the tourist experience - among them are infrastructure, transport and insufficient parking options, especially in the busiest resort areas.
These problems do not only affect foreign visitors. They are also particularly sensitive for Bulgarian tourists, who expect to receive a normal tourist service and a good holiday environment for the price they pay.
More serious control over the gray sector
Another important emphasis in the interview was the need for more effective control over the tourism sector and limiting the gray economy.
According to Odisei Spasov, significant funds continue to be realized in tourism outside the official economy - in accommodation, tourist services, organizing events and other activities.
“Control is one of the most important aspects of the tourism sector, so that it can really shine and produce real results,” said the BATA chairman.
From the perspective of travel agencies, this is extremely important, as honest and registered businesses are placed at an unequal position compared to operators and suppliers who operate outside the regulations.
BATA believes that combating the grey sector should be among the main priorities of state tourism policy. Real control is needed over all participants in the chain – from accommodation facilities and travel agents to organizers of various tourist services and events.
Prices and the perception of “expensive Bulgaria”
The interview also touched on the topic of prices for tourist services.
Odisey Spasov commented that price increases and the perception of speculation directly affect the competitiveness of the Bulgarian tourism product.
“The Croatian model hit us, but much harder than in Croatia,” he noted.
According to BATA, it is necessary to find a balance between the real costs of the business, the quality of the service and the price that the tourist is willing to pay.
Bulgaria's competitiveness cannot be built solely on low prices. It must be based on quality, professional service, security, good infrastructure and a diverse tourist product.
A long-term development model is needed
Bulgarian tourism has the potential for significant development, but this requires a consistent policy, not solutions within one tourist season.
For BATA, the key areas include:
improving the infrastructure in tourist areas;
solving the problem of shortage and training of personnel;
faster and more effective procedures for hiring workers from third countries;
increased control over the grey sector;
protection of the correct and reg
