Bulgarian Hotels, Restaurants to Undergo Categorization Every 5 Years

Bulgarian hotels, restaurants and entertainment spots will no longer be issued indefinite-period categorization certificates. Photo by dariknews.bg

Hotels, restaurants and all types of accommodation sites in Bulgaria will be subject to categorization every five years and the certificates they are issued will no longer stay valid for an indefinite period, according to a set of new amendments to the Tourism Act.

The new bill, which passed its first reading in Parliament on Thursday, introduces a five-year validity period for the category certificate of accommodation sites, food and drink spots and entertainment spots, according to reports of investor.bg.

The provisions are aimed at boosting the quality of tourist services on offer, according to Bulgaria's Council of Ministers, which initiated the amendments.

The business sector, however, has raised objections to the legal changes, suggesting that they will increase the administrative burden and the costs companies face.

The new provisions expand the range of sites subject to categorization, redefine types of accommodation sites, and decentralize categorization proceedings.

The procedure for lowering the category of a tourist spot has been included into the new bill and will no longer be regulated by an ordinance.

The bill also envisages dropping the categorization of beaches and ski runs.

Under the new regulations, companies will be able to file documents online for registering tour operator/tourist agency activities.

The bill also introduces the option of web-based tour operators and tourist agencies.

The amendments envisage a division of the country into tourist regions, which is expected to encourage regional marketing and the creation of regional tourism products.