Bulgaria predicts drop in tourist's flow from Russia by 20% by the end of the year

Tour operators predict a decrease in the number of Russian tourists to Bulgaria by 20% for the year, the Tourism Attache of the Bulgarian Embassy in the Russian Federation Katya Zhekova reported on Thursday. "In the summer the situation with tourists from Russia was, of course, more difficult than in the last year. Tour operators say that by the end of the year the overall decline in tourist's flow from Russia may reach 20%," Katja Zhekova said. She also noted that many of the hotels in Bulgaria have taken into account this situation. "In the summer season, they offered great discounts to travelers from Russia. We hope that the Bulgarian tour operators will be able to further develop cooperation with Russia, attracting tourists," she added. According to Katja Zhekova, Bulgaria does not expect the increase of Russian tourists due to the fact that now traveling to Schengen countries requires delivery of biometrics for visas. Although, she noted that Bulgaria is now "well established system for issuing visas, there are no complaints from tour operators and their customers." Katja Zhekova said that Bulgaria hopes for winter season and demand in Bulgarian ski resorts.