BATA with clear and categorical priorities for restarting Bulgarian tourism during a meeting in the National Assembly
The Board of the Bulgarian Association of Travel Agencies (BATA) outlined the urgent steps to overcome the crisis in the sector before the Chairperson of the Tourism Committee Rositsa Kirova. Among the main topics were the creation of a Tourist Guarantee Fund, a new Law on Tourism, easing visa regimes and dealing with geopolitical crises.
The Chairperson of the Tourism Committee in the National Assembly Rositsa Kirova held a key working meeting with representatives of the leading organizations of tour operators and travel agents in Bulgaria. Representatives of the Bulgarian Association of Travel Agencies (BATA), represented by the members of the Board of Directors Odisei Spasov and Galin Georgiev, together with colleagues from the Association of Bulgarian Travel Agencies (ABBTA) and the Future for Tourism Association (OBT).
At the beginning of the meeting, Rositsa Kirova assured the industry that its voice would be heard regularly: “You will all be invited to the meetings of the Tourism Commission so that the work can run smoothly and decisions can be made after an active dialogue with the industry.” She emphasized that the parliamentary commission will act as a bridge to the Ministry of Tourism to effectively resolve the accumulated problems.
BATA expressed full support for this approach, while our representatives put on the table the specific package of measures and proposals on which the association is consistently working.
The 7 Pillars of Stability and Growth: BATA’s Position
During the discussion, BATA representatives Odisei Spasov and Galin Georgiev insisted on a radical reduction of the administrative burden on business and emphasized the following strategic points for the organization:
1. Creation of an effective Tourism Guarantee Fund (TGF)
The topic of the Guarantee Fund emerged as an absolute priority for the entire industry. BATA insists on constructive and rapid work on its structuring. The goal is to find a balanced model that simultaneously guarantees consumer security and upgrades the Tour Operator Liability insurance without becoming an unbearable financial burden for legal businesses. The process also requires active dialogue with the insurance sector.
2. A completely new Tourism Act (or radical large-scale changes)
The current regulatory framework is outdated and does not meet modern market realities. BATA calls for legislative courage – either for a completely new law or for radical changes that would reform the sector, properly harmonize the European Package Travel Directive and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.
3. An uncompromising fight against the grey sector and unfair competition
Illegal excursions organized on social networks by unlicensed persons damage both the state budget and legitimate tour operators. BATA insists on real, effective and strict measures by state control bodies against the grey economy.
4. The crisis with the personnel in the travel agencies
The lack of qualified personnel among the tour operators and travel agents threatens the quality of the tourism product. Targeted state policies are needed to stimulate education in the sector, retraining and simplified procedures for the import of personnel from third countries.
5. Logistic infrastructure and the chaos at the border checkpoints
The problems at the border checkpoints (especially at the external borders of the EU) and the poor road infrastructure repel foreign tourists. In this regard, Rositsa Kirova informed that the Commission has already sent invitations to the Minister of Regional Development and the RIA to consider transport accessibility before the start of the active season, including repairs on the roads to the Black Sea coast.
6. Targeted state programs for incoming tourism
Bulgaria is in dire need of financially secured state programs aimed at the tour operators who bring foreign organized tourists to our country. This is the most direct way to inject fresh capital into our economy.
7. New national strategy for tourism flow
A new long-term strategic document is needed for market diversification and establishing our country as a safe, year-round and high-quality destination.
Crisis management abroad and visa policy: BATA's proposals to the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
A special emphasis in BATA's proposals, addressed to both the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is crisis management abroad. The conflict in the Middle East clearly showed that the state and business must have a ready and working protocol for action.
BATA proposes:
- Establishment of a National Crisis Headquarters for Tourism with the participation of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which would respond immediately to geopolitical upheavals, natural disasters or military conflicts in destinations with Bulgarian tourists.
- Upgrading the "Tour Operator Liability" insurance so that it covers force majeure circumstances and adequate evacuation of compatriots abroad in the event of suddenly escalating crises.
- Urgent easing of visa regimes and digitalization of the visa issuance process. Rositsa Kirova committed to actively working with the competent institutions to solve this problem, which is currently stopping a serious flow of tourists to Bulgaria from key foreign markets.
In the name of sustainable development
The meeting ended with a consensus that the sustainable future of Bulgarian tourism is impossible without permanent partnership. BATA will continue to be a leading factor and a constructive partner of the legislative and executive authorities, protecting the economic interests of its members and the image of Bulgaria as a destination.
