Bulgaria, Serbia snatch Macedonian winter tourists

Tourist officials complain of losing the battle over Christmas holidays, with more and more Macedonians shunning domestic resorts. Macedonian tourists are shunning holidays at home for the winter resorts of nearby Bulgaria and Serbia, the head of the Hospitality and Tourism Chamber, Snezana Jovanovska, told Balkan Insight. The tourist boss said the trend was even more pronounced this winter, now that Macedonians can visit EU countries without having to apply for visas.

"The resort of Bansko in Bulgaria is by far the most attractive winter destination this year," she noted. "People can find accommodation there for as little as 100 euros per week so they see no reason to stay in the country," Jovanovska added. Serbia’s Kopaonik mountain resort is also a hit among Macedonians, while those with more money are seeking arrangements in Austria and Italy, she continued.

“Macedonian ski resorts offer less and charge the same [as foreign resorts], so they are not very attractive for domestic and foreign tourists alike," she admitted. ”The better skiing facilities in neighbouring countries, the greater variety there and [lack of] entertainment [here], all deter tourists from our ski resorts," Jovanovska lamented. Officials from Mavrovo, one of Macedonia’s biggest ski resorts, said they hope lower prices will attract more tourists. Depending on the quality of accommodation, beds there cost 10 to 30 euro per night. Officials say they have halved the cost of ski passes to 160 euro for six days.

“Younger people who cannot afford to travel abroad come here but they only stay for the weekend in cheaper private accommodation, while the hotels stay empty,” one said. Local tourist officials say overall interest in winter holidays among Macedonians has declined by 50 per cent this year, compared to last year. Jovanovska blamed worsening poverty and the global economic downturn for this trend.

News source: Balkan Insight link: article