Smolyan, Southern Bulgaria, January 9 (BTA) - The ski resort of Pamporovo has registered an increase by 30 to 40 per cent in its visitors since the start of the ski season, Pamporovo AD Executive Director Marian Belyakov told BTA. Over 100,000 tourists have visited the resort since December, an increase being observed both in domestic and foreing tourists.

Amid the ongoing pandemic, a change in the market is being observed where considerably less tourists come as part of an organized group, he also said. Over 50 per cent of the ski resort's clients are Bulgarian and foreign tourists who book their stay independently, without relying on tour operator services.

An increase has been registered in visitors from neighbouring Balkan countries who book their ski holiday on their own and arrive with their personal cars. An increase has also been registered in tourists from the UK and Ireland travelling to Pamporovo after an online booking outside of charter programmes. Tourists from Russia have also grown in number this winter season.

/DS/