Bulgaria is ready to give out 6-month multivisas

Last year, almost 600 thousand Russian citizens visited Bulgaria; this is about 31% more than in 2011. This was an opening statement made by Bulgarian ambassador to Russia, Mr. Boyko Kotsev, at a press-conference during the Intourmarket-2013 travel trade fair in Moscow. The overall flow of tourists grew 3.5% to 6.5 million people. However, Mr. Kotsev made no bones about the Russians being the "dearest" guests, as they spend more money on extra services and products.

The Ambassador is sure that the number of Russian tourists is going to add at least another 25% over the current year. His government's measures, aimed at attracting more Russian tourists, are what make him so positive about the future. The most efficient of them, deems Mr. Kotsev, is the revocation of monopoly for flights between Russia and Bulgaria. During negotiations between aviation authorities of the two countries in January, the sides decided to allow operation of charter flights without approval from appointed carriers (Aeroflot, S7 and Bulgaria Air) within the period between May 16 and September 16, 2013. "Extremely expensive airfares reaching up to €600 were stopping quite a number of potential consumers of our tourist product. We hope it to become more competitive now," said Boyko Kotsev.

The Head of consular service, Mr. Angel Georgiyev, has pointed out that the Bulgarian side still offers all prior preferences to the Russians. Children under 18 are still getting the entry permit free of charge. Besides, not only is Bulgaria going to continue issuing one-year multivisas to returning applicants, it'll go even further and will be granting multivisas valid for 6 months to those who is about to visit the country for the first time. "We are also expanding our visa application centers network. In addition to 18 already operating centers, we are opening another two, in Murmansk and Omsk," Mr. Georgiyev added.