15.03.2021By http://www.bta.bg

Sofia, March 14 (BTA) - Tourism Minister Mariyana Nikolova said on Sunday that coordinated with the health authorities and the Foreign Ministry, it has been decided that the new tourist season will open on May 1. Nikolova made the announcement during a visit  to the National Astronomical Observatory at Mt Rozhen which was streamed live on the Facebook profile of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

Nikolova said that an order will be issued on Monday detailing the measures to apply for the entire 2021 season for accommodation, eating and entertainment establishments.

The Tourism Minister said the season opens a bit earlier than customary but as there are holidays in in May, hotel managers and tour operators need greater predictability so as to design and plan holiday packages.

The May holidays, including the Orthodox Easter, are also expected to attract visitors from neighbouring countries.

Nikolova said that the requirements for entry to Bulgaria have been coordinated with the health authorities. She said that next week the EU is to pass a decision on a so-called digital vaccine certificate. Nikolova said the Bulgarian government agrees with this.

Health Minister Kostadin Angelov said that "green lanes will be ensured for all tourists who want to visit Bulgaria".

He said that "most important is Bulgaria's participation in the so-called green certificate for travel, which will be a common European policy, and which will guarantee three options for any visitor: proof of vaccination, antibodies after recovery from the disease, or a negative PCR test". In Angelov's words, this will facilitate travel.

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On Friday the Tourism Ministry said that money amounting to 9.4 million leva has been paid out to 149 travel agents and tour operators, to be used for refunds for cancelled holidays from March to December 2020. The payment is part of funding totalling 51 million under one of the measures of the Ministry in support of the sector due to the coronavirus situation.

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