Bulgaria's business tourism sector has suffered a major slowdown, according to Rumen Draganov, head of the Institute for Analysis and Estimates in Tourism.

Draganov told the Focus news agency Saturday that many of the business hotels in Sofia and the other major Bulgarian cities have registered a drop in the number of business travels since the start of 2012.

In his words, the reasons for that are twofold: first, the decline in business activity resulting from the economic crisis, and, second, the severe winter weather in January and February that hindered many travelers.

Draganov did note, however, that Bulgarian tourists were very active during the winter season, especially in the largest Bulgarian ski resort Bansko.

He added that Bansko has had an extremely successful winter season, with a 150% increase in the number guests, and that the result will continue to develop as a Balkan and European ski center.

Draganov said, however, that in March 2012 Bulgaria's winter resorts ended up half-empty regardless of the great skiing weather.

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