At the beginning of September, some beaches along Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea coast are offering lower prices for umbrellas and sunbeds. The initiative has been taken by concessionaires as part of efforts to extend the active summer season beyond the end of August. Although it is already early September, the sea temperature is around 25°C, so conditions for a day at the beach remain good. The main difference compared with the height of the season is expected to be in the prices of beach equipment.
Simeon Tsvetkov, chairman of the Association for the Development of Sea Beaches: “The idea is part of the Tourism Ministry’s initiative to extend the season. I hope all our colleagues will work in this direction. Some of the beaches in our association have decided to reduce the prices for hiring beach equipment, and we hope this will remain the practice throughout September.”
According to him, the reductions are significant at some of the most popular beaches.
“At Sunny Beach Central Beach, which is perhaps one of our most iconic beaches, the price of a standard set has been reduced from €16 during the season to €10 at present. At Ravda Central Beach, for example, the price of a set has been reduced from €20 to €15,” Tsvetkov said.
He stressed that early September also offers better conditions for a seaside holiday. According to Tsvetkov, the sea is more favourable in early September than at the end of August.
Simeon Tsvetkov, chairman of the Association for the Development of Sea Beaches: “The sea is significantly more favourable. The strong waves and the wind-driven waves that usually occur on August afternoons have subsided, but they should still not be underestimated and must be taken very seriously. If there are warning flags prohibiting swimming, the lifeguards’ instructions must be followed very carefully. The sea should always be treated with caution.”
The beaches will have a full complement of lifeguards until 15 September.
“Until 15 September, the beaches will have their full complement of lifeguards. After that, the supervised activities will not stop all at once. On the contrary, they will simply be reduced, with some lifeguard posts being closed and the level of safety provision being reduced. Signs will be put up at all beaches where lifeguard posts are being closed,” the chairman of the Association for the Development of Sea Beaches explained.
Concessionaires report a weaker season compared with last year.
Simeon Tsvetkov, chairman of the Association for the Development of Sea Beaches: “We are seeing a season that seems to be slightly weaker than last year. Perhaps the tighter household budgets, higher prices – driven at least in part by increased fuel prices globally – and the lack of flights have all played a role. We hope the entire sector has learned its lessons and that, together with our colleagues in the tourism industry, we can do everything possible to welcome a better season next year.”
The beaches are expected to remain busy at least until mid-September, although visitor numbers are already beginning to decline.
“There is certainly a decline in visitor numbers. Naturally, many Bulgarian visitors to the seaside resorts are already preparing for the start of the school year (September 15), as are many tourists. There are still plenty of people on many of the beaches, but we expect them to remain busy at least until 15 September.”
It remains to be seen whether concessionaires will be able to begin preparations for the next season earlier because of the expected Eurovision Song Contest.
“Yes, and not only because of the beach season. We believe that, particularly in Burgas and Burgas District, it would not be very pleasant for visitors to arrive and see preparations for the season under way. So certainly, those of us in Burgas, as well as our colleagues in nearby towns, will need to take measures to be ready for the season before May, so that when all these people who want to attend the contest arrive, the beaches are in a more welcoming condition and they can also be properly served and enjoy our Black Sea coast.”
Information about current prices and discounts on umbrellas and sunbeds can be found in a dedicated beach services app, which lists the offers available at different beaches.
“Exactly. As far as I know, there is currently an app called Umbrellas and Sunbeds, which anyone can access. I think all the discounts on umbrella and sunbed prices are listed there. People can find the information there for all the beaches that are part of this season’s offering.”
The initiative to reduce prices is part of efforts to extend the summer season and attract more visitors to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast in September as well.
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