Bulgarian Tourism Blames Media for Russian Cancellations

Bulgarian beach resorts have suffered cancellations of visits of Russian children over several recent cases of food poisoning and stomach infections. File photo

Russian travel agencies have canceled reservations for Russian children's vacations on the Black Sea coast, according to Dimitar Dimitrov, Chair of the Association of Hotel and Restaurant Owners for NE Bulgaria.

The reason cited is the several recent cases of food poisoning and stomach infections, widely reported by Bulgarian media.

Dimitrov points out the Russian reaction had been swift and affected the most seriously the northern beach town of Kranevo where summer beach camps are the main source of revenue. He says that the facilities there, and at other place, are fine, but someone attempted to make quick profits on the expense of the children, adding such reaction as the Russian one was understandable since no parent would want their child to visit dangerous places.

Dimitrov, however, stressed the issue had been overblown by the media and small resort towns will suffer the negative effect the most.

The Association's Chair further criticized reports on the so-called "alcohol binging tourism" in the largest summer resort "Sunny Beach," saying they also have negative effect on the country.

"The resort is, however, full with people, which means they like it. I fail to understand why it has to be bashed in this way. There are no such attacks on local tourism in other countries. Here we have it on all resorts and then foreign media, even CNN, picks on those headlines" Dimitrov stated.

Meanwhile, the Food Safety Agency announced thy have checked all 99 children camps in Bulgaria between July 13th and 20th. One facility had been closed and 440 kg of food confiscated. The most frequent violations include flawed documentation, food without labels, poor hygiene, inadequate storage, and food used beyond the expiration date.

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