The State Agency for Tourism (SAT) proposed dividing Bulgarian tourist attractions on a regional basis as a way of presenting the country’s treasures to the foreign market. According to tourism specialist Diana Bozhkova, this would be the best way to show foreigners what Bulgaria has to offer in terms of tourism. She said that tourism needed to be divided regionally because of the wide range of local tourism products. Because each region has its own specific appearance and landmarks, the regional division is a very good approach to presenting the country, Bozhkova said.

SAT chairperson Anelia Kroushkova suggested regional division as a way to present Bulgaria at international tourism fairs, as a number of other countries do. Bulgaria could be divided into the regions that are already well known those that have the potential to develop as tourism destinations, Focus news agency reported on June 19.

On June 14, new hotel requirements came into effect in Bulgaria, as reported by Bulgarian-language Dnevnik daily. They apply to all hotels that are in a process of being classified or applying for classification. Stricter requirements will be applied to hotel staff especially in luxurious tourist sites. Chambermaids, doormen and bus boys in four star hotels must have high school education and know at least one foreign language. Administrators must have a specialised high school education in tourism.

The new requirements introduce new hotel categories, including spa hotel, business hotel and hotel residence. New room classifications were also set, which included single room, double room, or apartment in a hotel or a studio. If a hotel fails to meet the requirements for its category, SAT could decide to decrease its star rating.

On June 19, Bulgarian-language Pari daily reported that Bulgaria’s Albena AD had achieved a large increase in assets over the past seven-10 years through buying land and hotels. “Now the time has probably come for us to sell some of the assets,” Albena’s executive director Krassimir Stanev said. The tourism company is in negotiations over the sale of its subsidiary, Byalata Laguna. A foreign investor, who has already carried out projects in north-eastern Bulgaria, has shown interest. A decision will be made within two months.

Albena will build several new hotel complexes with 1000 to 1500 rooms. Currently Albena offers 7100 hotel rooms with more than 15 000 beds. The third section of the four-star Flamingo hotel will be completed in the autumn of 2008.