Increase in Israeli Tourists Expected in Bulgaria After Gaza Ceasefire
Israeli Ambassador to Bulgaria Yossi Levi-Sfari expects an increase in Israeli tourists to Bulgaria following the recent Gaza ceasefire
Mariya Mihaleva, CEO of the Bulgarian state-owned Sunny Beach company, has resigned, as some 340 Russian tourists are still stranded in the country.
Mihaleva's resignation was demanded earlier Friday by the country's Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism Traicho Traikov. Traikov stated that Mihaleva also works for the Alma Tour tour operator, one of the two Bulgarian companies that triggered the crisis, which suggests a conflict of interests is in place.
"She may continue working for Alma Tour, even though she was coping well in the state-owned Sunny Beach," Traikov told the Bulgarian parliament, as cited by the Dnevnik daily. Sunny Beach is the biggest and most popular holiday resort in Bulgaria.
In an official statement on Friday, Mihaleva did not deny she is on a labor contract with Alma Tour, but pointed out that she had officially announced that fact before being appointed at Sunny Beach. She further stated her position at Alma Tour would not make any conflict of interests possible.
Some 700 Russians, 200 Finns and dozens of persons from Lithuania waited for days to get home after their flights were canceled last Friday and Saturday, due to an alleged EUR 3.6 M debt to national carrier Bulgaria Air from Alma Tour.
On Friday, it was reported that 200 Russian tourists are still stranded at the airport in the southern Bulgarian city of Varna, while another 100 are stranded at the northern Burgas airport. Both groups are to be heading to Saint Petersbourg.
Wizz Air has unveiled its top romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day in 2025, offering the perfect opportunity for couples to celebrate the occasion with a getaway
Sofia Airport has introduced free access to the Terminal 2 bus parking lot (P8) for tour operators’ buses and coaches throughout the winter season of 2024/2025
Sofia has been ranked 195th out of 327 cities worldwide in Numbeo's 2025 cost of living rankings
Wizz Air has resumed its flights from Sofia to Tel Aviv
Wizz Air has announced the launch of a new and exclusive route from Varna to Leipzig, Germany, marking a significant expansion of its network
Bulgaria Air has launched a special winter promotion, "Time to Fly," offering discounted tickets for flights until March 31, 2025, to 11 captivating European destinations
Bulgaria's Perperikon: A European Counterpart to Peru's Machu Picchu
Bulgarians Among EU's Least Frequent Vacationers, Struggling with Affordability