Russia stops tourist flights to Bulgaria

Russia stops flights for its tourists to Bulgaria. Bulgarian tourism industry worries that we will be left without Russian tourists at the Bulgarian Black Sea coast in the summer season. They previously were among the highest percentage of foreign tourists in Bulgaria.

There are several reasons for the suspended flights from Russia. In the first place, it is the Covid-19 pandemic. Another reason, however, is a call from Russian politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky, who has asked the state to officially ban the purchase of real estate in Bulgaria, as well as visits for tourism. This comes days after the diplomatic disputes between Moscow and Sofia. How does this affect the tourism industry in our country?

Valeri comes from Russia to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast on business. He sees a problem for his fellow citizens who will travel for tourism.

"There are no flights to Bulgaria from Russia. All flights have been cancelled. This is not good because Bulgaria is a very nice country," he said.

Until now, the issuance of visas for Bulgaria was a hamper for Russian tourists to arrive in Bulgaria. As of today, May 5, the acceptance of visa applications for those wishing to travel has resumed, but all flights from Russia to Bulgaria have been cancelled.

"The last flight is on May 9, after that there is no confirmation for flights. This, of course, does not depend so much on business, but on wise diplomacy on the part of our government, on the relationship between Bulgaria and the Russian Federation," Evelina Puleva from the Management Board of the Bourgas Regional Tourist Chamber said.

Most of the Russians coming to our country have bought apartments in a hotel in Pomorie. At the moment they are all empty.

"Of the entire number of beds, maybe about 30% of all owners are of Russian origin. This huge base cannot be filled with Bulgarians and Romanians. For us, charter flights are extremely important, but the cancellation policy itself is very flexible so that people can cancel at the last minute without penalties," said Irina Dzhendova, the hotel's manager.

Bourgas Airport explains that 136 flights from Russia have been planned for June, but they are not sure, as the airlines cancel them at the last minute. There is also increased interest from Russians to sell their properties on our Black Sea coast.

"Holiday properties are not offered for permanent residence and the Russians have used them for their summer vacation. Therefore the supply is increased, given that they cannot use their properties," Elena Toncheva, real estate agent, said.

The Russian quarter in Pomorie, known as "Little Moscow", is also currently empty.

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