Caretaker minister of tourism: We are extending the programme for accommodation of Ukrainian refugees until 31 October

"The measure for the accommodation of Ukrainian refugees in hotels is being continued until October 31 at the value that it is currently, this will be the end of the programme, so a new programme can be organized," Ilin Dimitrov, caretaker minister of tourism, said on the morning block.

He expressed hope that this would be the last extension of the programme and that there would be a new programme that would integrate refugees into the social system.

"This is European money, we pay out regular funds every week under this programme, it is a very complicated payment mechanism, there are 32 steps before a sum is paid, which takes a minimum of 15 days, there was a software problem in the first programme, a large number of nights are not visible, there are over 900 complaints, the measure will be opened, the corrections will be made and everything will be paid. This week the final payments for June and July will be submitted, they will be cleared. Very few violations have been found, which are mainly in the dubbing", added Ilin Dimitrov.

He said it is difficult to plan for next year's season and that is why there are buffers.

"Overall, there were tourists this summer. It is good that the compensation for the electricity will remain next year. For winter resorts, electricity, gas and pellet prices are key this season. I don't think it's expensive on the Black Sea coast, there are all kinds of restaurants, it's a matter of choice. There has been a significant growth in the number of spa tourists - 665 thousand people, 17 percent of all tourists who came to Bulgaria. 3 million and 300 thousand people have chosen to holiday in Bulgaria - half are at the seaside, the rest are in the mountains. The service is good quality", added Ilin Dimitrov.

He explained that the goal is to double the number of certified beaches.

"The winter season is going well, the way of advertising has changed - with journalists, influencers, ambassadors. We are mainly relying on the nearby market, the bookings from the UK are going well, there is a 30% growth," said Ilin Dimitrov.

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