Romania hopes to capitalize on the decision of neighboring Bulgaria to ban smoking in all enclosed public spaces, as it may be seen as an attractive destination for tobacco-addicted tourists, media reports say.

Tobacco-addicted summer holiday-makers can rely on Romania for laxer control in restaurants, cars, hotels and offices after Bulgaria introduces the full ban on June 1.

Currently, both Romania and Bulgaria impose a partial smoking ban, which is however widely ignored.

Bulgaria's resorts expect more 1 million tourists to come from neighboring Romania this year, according to the local association of travel agencies.

People from the business however caution that the huge flux is thanks to the fact the tourists are still not aware of the new rules Bulgaria has imposed.

The full smoking ban in closed public spaces was to be enforced in Bulgaria back in 2010, but was postponed by the government with the argument that it might harm the country's tourism.

Opponents to the ban in Bulgaria say once it is introduced in cafes, bars and restaurants, regardless of size, smokers' rights will be violated, while small and medium-sized enterprises will face huge difficulties.

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