Bulgaria's Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism, Delyan Dobrev, says he supports of all changes that would benefit tourism and development of the country's resorts.

"I am on the side of tourism, opening opportunities for its development. The new legislation will provide precisely such opportunities," the Minister stated Saturday, speaking before Darik radio.

Commenting on the controversial Forestry Act, passed by the Parliament during the week, Dobrev pointed out that in the last few years winter tourism in Bulgaria is catching up with the summer one, stressing the importance of winter resorts reaching full capacity by having modern equipment.

The controversial amendments, giving a green light to construction of ski tracks and lifts without changing the status of use of the land, triggered large-scale protests, shaking the capital Sofia since Wednesday evening.

On the topic of the recently introduced full smoking ban, Dobrev explained that it would not create difficulties for food establishments and coffee shops in the summer when people can smoke outdoors. He said the ban is affecting the most the night clubs and the casinos.

Regarding the country's economy, the Minister noted that "we are still living in difficult times."

"In 2010 and 2011 we had a 30% increase of our exports. We will not reach these levels in 2012 – we have a 2% decrease so far," Dobrev stated.

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