No Psychological Barrier to Euro in Bulgarian Tourism, Says Expert
Rumen Draganov from the Institute for Evaluation and Analysis in Tourism spoke to Bulgarian National Radio about the transition to the euro in Bulgaria
One of the gravest problems for foreign tourists in Bulgaria is the "language barrier" between the international travelers and the Bulgarian police officers, foreign diplomats have told Bulgarian Interior Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov.
Tsvetanov met with foreign ambassadors in Sofia on Tuesday to discuss the summer season and the issues that foreign tourists are faced with when on vacation in Bulgaria.
Measures to take down the "language barrier" are the diplomats' main recommendation, BGNES reported, citing statements at the meeting.
Tsvetanov has reminded that a total of 577 police officers from all over Bulgaria were sent to the Black Sea coast resorts for the summer in order to boost security; the same policy applies to the winter season when Bulgaria's major ski resorts will get additional police forces.
UK Ambassador in Sofia Jonathan Allen, however, has pointed out that the inability to communicate with the police because of the "language barrier" is the most important problem for international tourists in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria's Interior Minister has promised that in order to find a quick solution to the problem, the Interior Ministry will employ students at its Police Academy, and that by January 2013 the institution will revamp its forms in various languages.
Tsvetanov did stress that about 12%-14% of Bulgaria's GDP comes from tourism, and that in the summer of 2012 Bulgaria saw 5% more tourists year-on-year.
He said the investigation of the July 18 terrorist attack in Bulgaria's Burgas that took the lives of 5 Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian driver was not discussed with the foreign ambassadors, and that he had nothing new to reveal to the public.
Bulgaria has received full support from Austria regarding its accession to the eurozone, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced following his meeting with Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker in Vienna.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemns Israel’s attacks on Iran, calling for international action:
Bulgaria and Uzbekistan are key players in linking Europe and Asia via the Transcaspian Transport Corridor
On May 16, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of North Macedonia, Ms. Agneza Rusi Popovska
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed readiness to host delegations from Russia and Ukraine for high-level peace talks in Istanbul.
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 29
Borderless Bulgaria: How Schengen Benefits Are Transforming Trade and Logistics
Bulgaria's Mortality Rate Remains Highest in Europe