Optimistic outlook for more tourists as Bulgarian ski resorts open season
Bulgaria’s three major mountain resorts – Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo – officially opened the winter ski season on December 13 2014, with the Ministry of Tourism forecasting an increase in the number of tourists by four to five per cent.
At all three resorts, the prices of ski passes are the same as in 2013.
Facilities at Bansko and Pamporovo were operating free-of-charge on opening day.
In Bansko, the price of a one-day card is discounted to 30 leva until December 20. In Pamporovo, the price is 39 leva until December 19.
Bulgarian Food Safety Agency inspectors will be carrying out intensive checks in Pamporovo in the new season, said Dr Sava Bozukov, head of the regional directorate in Smolyan.
Inspectors will check hygiene at the premises, of equipment and employees handling food, health care records, food storage conditions and whether food is ahead of its expiry date.
Bulgaria’s Mountain Rescue Service said that it was ready for the ski season.
The service warned mountaineers and skiers not to be fooled by the relatively higher temperatures and to be well-equipped for winter conditions.
Milen Bratanov of the Mountain Rescue Service said that mobile phones were “man’s best friend” in the mountains and reminded people to ensure that their phones were fully charged before embarking on their outings.
He said people who got lost should not first phone their relatives but should contact the service directly.
The Mountain Rescue Service’s number is 088 1470. Those in trouble on the mountains also can telephone emergency number 112.
People should ensure they had insurance. This was usually included in the price of a lift pass but those who were venturing out for walks or looking for “extreme adventures” off the slopes should buy insurance, or face possible big bills for being rescued.
Lifts in the major resorts were safe for use this season, it was established after official inspections, Bulgarian National Television reported.
The Consumer Protection Commission said that it had found cases of discrepancies between advertising and reality of some holiday accommodation facilities.
Commission head Vesselin Zlatev gave the example of a hotel which claimed on its website that it had spa facilities while in reality it did not. Penalties for such misleading practices range from 10 000 to 50 000 leva, the commission said.
(Photo: Via the Facebook page of Bansko Blog)
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