Sofia parents report sharp price hikes for school excursions

Parents in Sofia, Bulgaria, are raising concerns regarding a sharp increase in the cost of one-day school excursions. Plamena Nikolova, Director of 'Childhood Policies' at the National Network for Children, highlighted that trips to nearby villages now cost approximately 45 euros per child, excluding food.

According to reports, these prices have risen significantly from roughly 45 BGN five years ago to 60 BGN last year, and now to the current euro-denominated rates. The cost may increase to 55 euros if the group size is smaller than 45 children. The activities offered typically include simple tasks such as painting eggs, making traditional pastries, or observing apple harvesting.

The similarity in pricing and the limited number of organizers for the Sofia region have led to suspicions of a potential cartel or lack of healthy market competition. While specific evidence of illegal practices has not yet been presented, parents have questioned why prices remain nearly identical regardless of distance, route, or transportation requirements.