Tourism Management and Planning in Bulgaria

Abstract

Tourism is a key sector for the Bulgarian economy contributing to the balance of payment, economic growth and employment rate. The efficiency of tourism sector is closely related to the structure of its management and planning. This study focuses on the evolution of tourism development in Bulgaria and recapitulates the authorities and institutions in charge of tourism dating back to the World War II. It also describes in details the present situation of the tourism sector in Bulgaria, the structure of management, different aspects of national, regional and local policy in tourism as well as some key governmental and nongovernmental organization involved in tourism planning. Current issues, trends and problems in tourism planning are outlined, such as the need of improved regulation of the sector, introduction of preferential taxation, development of regional destination marketing organizations.