Bulgarian ministers discuss tourism reforms and infrastructure in Nesebar

Bulgarian Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov and Regional Development Minister Ivan Shishkov met with industry representatives in Nesebar to discuss infrastructure and upcoming sector reforms. A primary focus of the discussions was the management of Sunny Beach AD, with proposals to transfer road infrastructure to the Nesebar municipality and water and sewage systems to the Bulgarian Water Holding.

Minister Dimitrov highlighted a planned package of five legislative reforms to be implemented by 2027. A key component involves increasing transparency in short-term rentals by integrating all such accommodations into the Unified Tourism Information System (ESTI). This move is expected to increase tourism tax collection, providing more resources for air connectivity and regional advertising.

Industry experts have also raised concerns regarding the quality of the tourism product on the Black Sea coast. Discussions noted challenges such as rising costs, parking issues, and a lack of locally sourced products in dining establishments. There is a call for municipalities to shift toward year-round investment and cultural tourism rather than focusing solely on the summer season.