“For us, tourism is a priority industry – part of Bulgaria's soft diplomacy and national security. In addition to generating a high share of GDP, it is made up of 90% of micro and small enterprises that provide employment to hundreds of thousands of Bulgarian citizens. All of them need state support, especially in a state of crisis, in order to protect these jobs.” This was stated by the coalition “BSP-UNITED LEFT” during meetings with representatives of the tourism sector.
The left-wing party was represented by Donka Mihaylova, Deputy Chairperson of the National Assembly of the Bulgarian Socialist Party, Enyo Savov, member of the party's Executive Bureau, Stanislav Mladenov, member of the National Council, the Deputy Chairperson of the Bulgarian Socialist Party, Dr. Plamena Zayachka, and the candidates for MPs, Prof. Mariela Modeva, Gabriel Valkov, and Svetoslav Stoykov.
“In the crisis situation we are in, the state must adopt a package of fiscal instruments, especially with regard to VAT and excise duties, in order to support both citizens and the industry due to rising fuel prices.”, Mihaylova stated during the meeting with Richard Alibegov from the Bulgarian Association of Establishments, Atanas Dimitrov from the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association, Emil Kolarov from the Association of Establishments, and Dr. Poli Karastoyanova and Dr. Martin Zahariev from the National Tourism Board.
The BSP-OL drew attention to the fact that in addition to crisis measures, the sector must be looked at strategically. “There is a lack of a long-term concept. There must be continuity between the governments, which have been changing very frequently lately. Tourism is a non-partisan issue.”, said Prof. Modeva.
It was emphasized that the public resources of the relevant ministry do not correspond to the strategic importance of the sector for the Bulgarian economy and this must be changed. The need for a national consensus around the strategy for the “Bulgaria” brand was also discussed.
The industry expressed concern about rising prices and expressed concern about disrupted supply chains. The issue of the lack of funds for tourism in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan was also raised, which both parties considered a mistake.
Regarding the shortage of personnel, the Left recalled its consistent support for dual education and closer links between educational institutions and the real economy. When asked about reducing VAT on food, the BSP-OL indicated that their proposal for a comprehensive reform of the Bulgarian tax system also includes differentiation of VAT rates.
Earlier in the day, the coalition also met with the Bulgarian Association of Travel Agencies (BATA), represented by Odisei Spasov and Rumyana Lyubenova. During the meeting, legislative changes to improve the business environment and strengthen state regulation and control were discussed. Proposals were also commented on, such as the one to expand tour operator insurance, which currently only covers bankruptcies. The need to improve the interaction between state institutions and industry organizations was noted.
At both meetings, an agreement was reached to establish a permanent form of expert dialogue, as well as to hold follow-up meetings after the elections, in the context of preparing a regular state budget.