The COVID-19 crisis and tourism in Bulgaria
The COVID-19 crisis and tourism in Bulgaria

Author(s): Nikolina Popova
Subject(s): Economy, National Economy, Tourism
Published by: Международно висше бизнес училище
Keywords: Covid 19 pandemic; tourism policies; tourism trends
Summary/Abstract: The tourism industry in Bulgaria is in crisis, caused by a global factor external to the industry - the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has affected the overall socio-economic development, incl. tourism, globally, regionally and nationally. This circumstance demonstrates the important role of four key factors: the geopolitics of EU structures, the policies formulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); and the national tourism policy, which is harmonized with them. The object of this study is the national tourist space of Bulgaria, and the subject of the study is an analysis of the relationships between the main groups of factors: geopolitical, economic and state-legal, and the tourism industry in the country, strongly influenced by the crisis COVID-19, as well as major trends in the development of tourism in the years of the pandemic. Research background: The drastic decline in active mass international arrivals to Bulgaria in 2020 – 2022 period was larger than the number of Bulgarians traveling abroad. This was caused by the outflow of large international tour operators supplying tourists to seaside, and winter resorts in Bulgaria. Among the reasons for this are, besides the mass character of tourism, the policies of international, but not least and at the national level. Purpose: Study of the main groups of factors: geopolitical, economic and state-legal, affecting tourism in the period 2020 – 2022 influenced by the crisis COVID-19, as well as major trends in the development of tourism in the years of the pandemic. Methods: Content analysis, statistical analysis Findings and novelty The development of tourism in Bulgaria, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, is undergoing a process of transformation under the influence of international, and national policies. A proactive national policy is needed, taking into account the changes that have taken place in the development of tourism, both in terms of supply and demand.

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