Tourism-In-Figures.Pdf

CONTENTS NAТ 2014

I. INTRODUCTION

II. DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC PROFILE 1

III. TRANSPORT 4 Air, road, railway and city transport

IV. ACCOMMODATION 11 Supply, demand, occupancy, Sofia’s position in Bulgaria

V. CATERING AND ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS 25 Types and capacity

VI. PRICES OF SOME COMMODITIES AND TOURIST SERVICES 28 Comparison of prices in some European capitals

VII. MORE ABOUT SOFIA 31 History

Culture

Nature

Sports and leisure activities

Discover Sofia Free Walking Tour

Pilgrimage tours

VIII. GLOSSARY 35 Terms and abbreviations

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION INTRODUCTION 2014

Ivo Marinov Director, Sofia Tourism Administration

The professional qualities of Mr. Ivo Marinov are supported not only by his Master’s Degree in “Economics and Organization of International Tourism” but by his long-life experience in the areas of Economics and Tourism – the Committee for Tourism at the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Commerce and Tourism, the Ministry of Economics, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the State Tourism Agency. From 2009 to 2013 he is Deputy Minister of Foreign Economic Policy and Tourism.

Dear consumers,

Dear colleagues,

Sofia Tourism Administration presents to you the fourth consequent edition of the tourist reference book “Sofia – Tourism in Figures”. I hope that the presented current information be valuable to all representatives of the tourist business, as well as the various institutions and organizations that have interest in this field.

It is gratifying that again in 2014 we see a growth in the tourist industry which sets to be a steady trend.

The stats of Sofia in the national system of tourism show the considerable contribution of the city for improving the efficiency of the tourist development of the country. Even with considerably low capacity for accommodation (4% of beds), Sofia has a leading position regarding tourism in Bulgaria, especially in regard to overnights revenue (3rd place). Sofia is above the average levels regarding overnights (Sofia – 7.4% growth, Bulgaria – 0.4% growth) and people staying overnight (Sofia – 7.1% growth, Bulgaria – 1.7% growth).

In 2014, 967 399 tourist visited Sofia, accounting for 1 726 379 overnight stays. This means a 7.1% increase in the number of tourists and a 7.4% in the overnights; 61% of all tourists who visited the capital are foreigners.

It is delightful that in 2014 Sofia was in top 10 of some world-famous charts: the readers of the British daily paper the Guardian placed Sofia in 7th place of the most desired city break destinations; in the „Value for Money Index 2014” chart of hotel.info reservation site the hotels in Sofia were placed in 8th place with the best price-quality ratio, remaining ahead of Vienna, Madrid, Zagreb and Bucharest.

The American informational website “The Huffington Post” placed Sofia among the 17 places to visit and the Sofia Synagogue was placed in top 20 most beautiful temples in the world according to the authoritative Architectural Digest.

In 2014 Sofia received important international awards, as well. It was awarded European Capital of Sport for 2018 and in December 2014 was chosen among five other cities as a UNESCO Creative City of Film.

All these awards are joyful, as well as engaging. That is why Sofia Tourism Administration works towards strengthening Sofia’s position as a competitive European tourist destination by raising the attractiveness of the city for both its citizens and visitors.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION

DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC PROFILE 2014

Residents District % (number) 1 Lyulin 114 813 8,9

2 Serdica 46 949 3,6 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE 3 Krasno Selo 83 552 6,5

Triaditsa 63 451 4,9 4 Area: 492, 092 sq. km. 5 Mladost 102 899 8 Sofia occupies 6.9% of the whole area of the 6 Novi Iskar 28 991 2,2 District of Sofia, which has a territory of 7,059 7 Oborishte 31 060 2,4 sq. km or 6.4% of the area of the country 8 Ovcha Kupel 54 417 4,2 (Bulgaria: 110,994 sq. km). 9 Ilinden 33 236 2,6 Population: 1,292,591 (NSI figures according to 10 Iskar 63 248 4,9 2011 census) 11 Krasna Polyana 58 234 4,5 By the end of 2013 the population of the 12 Lozenets 53 080 4,1 capital city numbered 1,309,634, accounting Nadezhda 67 905 5,3 for 84.5% of the population of Sofia region and 13 18,1% of the population of Bulgaria, according 14 Sredets 32 423 2,5 to NSI stats. The said number is to go up to 15 Poduyane 76 672 5,9 1,314,036 by 2015, referring to a realistic and 16 Studentski 71 961 5,6 EU-consistent convergence hypothesis variant. Sofia is divided in 24 administrative districts. 17 Bankya 12 136 0,9 18 Izgrev 30 896 2,4 19 Kremikovtsi 23 641 1,8

20 Vrabnitsa 47 969 3,7 21 Vitosha 61 467 4,8 22 Pancharevo 28 586 2,2

23 Slatina 66 702 5,2

24 Vazrazhdane 37 303 2,9 TOTAL: 1 291 591 100

Reference source: NSI, 2011 Sofia districts

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 1

DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC PROFILE 2014

ECONOMIC PROFILE

Employed persons – 2014

According to 2014 NSI figures, the average registered number of persons employed under contract of employment or ex-officio in the capital city is 703.3 thousand. According to Sofia Tourism Administration figures 35 342 persons are employed at accommodation establishments and catering and еntertainment establishments, licensed and rated by the Mayor of Sofia Municipality for 2014.

Number of people employed in the hotel, restaurant and catering sector in the territory of Sofia Municipality in 2014 by districts

Total employed at People employed accommodation restaurants, establishments, catering People employed restaurants, and entertainment at accommodation catering and establishments establishments District entertainment

establishments for

2014

Number Number Number Share Share Share of of of % % % people people people 1 Lyulin 1 465 4,1 1 453 4,2 12 1,1 2 Serdica 973 2,8 897 2,6 76 6,8 3 Krasno Selo 1 748 4,9 1 711 5,0 37 3,3 4 Triaditsa 3 401 9,6 3 312 9,7 89 8,0 5 Mladost 2 667 7,5 2 619 7,7 48 4,3 6 Novi Iskar 209 0,6 200 0,6 9 0,8 7 Oborishte 2 725 7,7 2 628 7,7 97 8,7 8 Ovcha Kupel 849 2,4 808 2,4 41 3,7 9 Ilinden 647 1,8 647 1,9 0 0,0 10 Iskar 876 2,5 870 2,5 6 0,5 11 Krasna Polyana 355 1,0 355 1,0 0 0,0 12 Lozenets 1 916 5,4 1 885 5,5 31 2,8 13 Nadezhda 871 2,5 866 2,5 5 0,5 14 Sredets 4 745 13,4 4 676 13,7 69 6,2 15 Poduyane 885 2,5 858 2,5 27 2,4 16 Studentski 2 398 6,8 2 362 6,9 36 3,2 17 Bankya 306 0,9 233 0,7 73 6,6 18 Izgrev 898 2,5 888 2,6 10 0,9 19 Kremikovtsi 368 1,0 352 1,0 16 1,4 20 Vrabnitsa 415 1,2 406 1,2 9 0,8 21 Vitosha 2 081 5,9 1 943 5,7 138 12,4 22 Pancharevo 744 2,1 685 2,0 59 5,3 23 Slatina 1 585 4,5 1 481 4,3 104 9,4 24 Vazrazhdane 2 215 6,3 2 097 6,1 118 10,6 TOTAL 35 342 100,0 34 232 100,0 1110 100,0 Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration – based on figures indicated in inventories of professional and language qualifications of persons employed at accommodation and catering and entertainment establishments.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 2

DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC PROFILE 2014

Number of persons employed at catering and entertainment establishments in the territory of Sofia Municipality for 2014, by month. 5 000

4 000

3 000

2 000

1 000

Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

The greatest number of job-holding persons is to be found in the hotel, restaurant, catering and entertainment sector in Sredets district, followed by Triaditsa and Oborishte districts. This is due to the high accumulation of accommodation, catering and entertainment facilities in the downtawn.

Regarding the number of job-holding persons at accommodation establishments – leaders are Vitosha (13%) and Vazrazhdane (11%).

Number of persons employed at accommodation establishments in the territory of Sofia Municipality for 2014, by month 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 3

TRANSPORT Т 2014

The transportation system in the capital is well developed; it is also a major component of the national transport system. All types of transport, with the notable exception of water transport, are represented in Sofia.

AIR TRANSPORT

Sofia Airport, Bulgaria’s largest international airport, aggregating over 3 million passengers of incoming and outgoing traffic, is the national air transport hub.

In 2014 Sofia Airport serviced a record number of 3 815 158 passengers – 8.9% more that the previous year.

The total number of passengers (Bulgarians and foreigners) arriving to Sofia Airport in 2014 was 1 882 650 which is 8,5% up on comparable 2013 figures.

NUMBER OF ARRIVALS TO SOFIA AIRPORT OVER 2013 and 2014

2013 2014

4 4 4

/201 /201 /201

3 3 3

ernational ernational

Difference Difference Difference

201 201 201

International International Int International International

charter flights charter flights charter

Domestic flights Domestic flights Domestic

scheduled flights scheduled flights scheduled January 102 303 12 890 5 385 110 443 8,0 12 470 -3,3 3 986 -26,0 February 103 704 10 051 4 219 114 080 10,0 8 804 -12,4 4 515 7,0 March 125 252 5 131 4 776 131 068 4,6 4 028 -21,5 5 129 7,4 April 127 084 1 071 6 119 144 792 13,9 1 295 20,9 5 857 -4,3 May 149 101 3 966 7 527 163 155 9,4 5 777 45,7 6 319 -16,0 June 145 052 3 245 9 057 165 856 14,3 3 956 21,9 8 401 -7,2 July 165 918 1 542 11 563 183 694 10,7 1 303 -15,5 10 018 -13,4 August 143 528 1 269 12 963 162 959 13,5 1 347 6,1 12 513 -3,5 September 136 510 5 914 10 192 151 148 10,7 6 450 9,1 8 772 -13,9 October 133 544 3 879 7 382 146 457 9,7 3 158 -18,6 5 993 -18,8 November 116 144 950 5 255 122 460 5,4 890 -6,3 4 950 -5,8 December 135 637 6 101 4 072 145 239 7,1 4 591 -24,8 4 731 16,2 Total 1 583 1 741 number of 56 009 88 510 9,9 54 069 -3,5 81 184 -8,3 777 351 passengers Reference source: Sofia Airport PLC

The international scheduled flights were used by 93% of the total year passenger flow. 4% is the share of the passengers of the domestic flights and the organized tourists are 3% of the total number. A considerable increase of 9.9% is the number of passengers arriving via international flights, whereas the arrivals via charter and domestic flights decrease – 3.5% and 8.3% compared to 2013.

The 1 882 075 arrivals via international flights in 2014 present 92.5% and with domestic just 4.3%.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 4

TRANSPORT Т 2014

Passengers arriving at Sofia Airport via domestic Passengers arriving at Sofia Airport via airline flights 1998 -2014 international airline flights – 2014 210 000 2,87% 4,31% 0,32% International 180 000 scheduled flights 150 000 120 000 International 90 000 charter flights 60 000 92,49% 30 000 Domestic 0

scheduled flights

July

May

June April

Others March

August

January

October

February

December

November September

Reference source: Sofia Airport PLC Reference source: Sofia Airport PLC

Monthly fluctuations in the number of arriving passengers appear to be insignificant. The number of arrivals in the peak tourist month of July is 40% up on relevant figures for January – the least active tourist month.

The total number of passengers arriving via international airlines has been continually on the rise since 2002, save 2012, when a slight drop was registered – 2.5%. In 2014 figures began to crawl up, i.e. by 6.2%. The number of arrivals via domestic flights dropped by 8.2%.

Number of passengers arriving at Sofia Airport via international airlines flights 1998–2014 2000000

1500000

1000000

500000

Reference source: Sofia Airport PLC

Over 1998-2014, the total number of arrivals to Sofia Airport, both via international and domestic airlines, is reported to have grown by 191% which is primarily due to facilitated visa access for EU citizens.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 5

TRANSPORT Т 2014

PASSSENGER FLOW AT TERMINALS T1 AND T2 OVER 2011-2014

In 2014 T1 has serviced over 1.2 million passengers, whereas T2 – over 2.6 million.

Number of passengers arriving at Sofia Airport 2013–2014, by terminals

1 400 000 1 200 000 1 000 000 800 000 600 000 400 000 200 000 0 Terminal 1 Terminal 2 Terminal 1 Terminal 2

2013 2014

Reference source: Sofia Airport PLC

42 120 flights landed at Sofia airport in 2014 which is a 4% increase on 2013. It is due to the international flights with a 9% increase and the charter ones, with a 2% increase. A small decrease can be observed in the domestic and cargo flights.

Distribution of flights in 2014, by segments International scheduled flights 7% 4% International charter 6% flights 5% Domestic scheduled flights 2% Business flights

Cargo and mail 76% Technical

Reference source: Sofia Airport PLC

Direct airline flights are highly conducive to promoting tourism in the capital city. The destinations to and from which there are convenient transport links to the Bulgarian capital determine, to a large extent, Sofia’s priority tourist markets – Germany, Great Britain, Austria, France, Italy, Spain (air transport) as well as the Balkan countries – Serbia, Macedonia, Romania and Greece (motor transport).

In 2014 there were scheduled flights to 48 destinations serviced by 20 airlines, 3 of which budget. The most desired destinations during the past year were London, Vienna and Frankfurt. The leading three airlines – Bulgaria Air, Wizz Air and Lufthansa transported over 2.3 million passengers to and from Sofia Airport, which represents 60% of the annual passenger flow.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 6

TRANSPORT Т 2014

Top destinations – departures from Sofia to final Top destinationsdepartures from Sofia via direct routes, 2014 destination, 2014 250 000 250 000 200 000 200 000 150 000 150 000 100 000 100 000 50 000 50 000 0 0

Reference source: Sofia Airport PLC Reference source: Sofia Airport PLC

Airlines, intending to open new scheduled lines to Sofia as of December 2014

Starting Airline Destination Type date

flydubai Dubai scheduled December

Air Serbia Belgrade scheduled March

Mistral Air Catagna Seasonal Jet 2 East Midland charter flights

Israir Tel Aviv charter flights December Reference source: Sofia Airport PLC

Scheduled flights from Dubai International Airport to Sofia began in December, performed by Flydubai. Its planes will land twice a week and will be serviced at Terminal 2. The interest in expanding the business toward this destination comes as no surprise, since in 2014 over 30 000 passengers flew from Sofia to destinations in the Persian Gulf, and the passenger flow toward this destination constantly grows.

Traditional charter ski chains from Great Britain of the airlines began by the end of 2014 Thomson Airways, Thomas Cook Airline, BH Air. The new English Airline Jet2 performs a winter programme from East Midland and Newcastle.

BUS TRANSPORT

77 buss carriers operated at the Central Bus Station in Sofia in 2014. The total number of busses arriving on international bus lines was 2 629 and they hailed from 19 destinations in 12 European countries: Greece, Romania, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Moldova, Macedonia and Turkey. The destinations are: Thessalonica, Athens, Bucharest, Szeged, Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, Krakov, Katowice, Warsaw, Kaunas, Vilnius, Riga, Thalin, Kishineu, Skopje, Strumica, Bursa and Istanbul.

Serdica Bus Station, located just next door to the Central Bus Station and only but a five minute’s walk from the city centre, is another major factor in the development of international tourism in Sofia. 1 150 buses operated on international bus lines at Serdica Bus Station, and 34 500 passengers arrived using international and domestic lines. 19 carriers operated in 2014 transporting passengers to and from 13 European countries: Germany, Holland, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, England, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovakia, Serbia and Hungary.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 7

TRANSPORT Т 2014

RAILWAY TRANSPORT

In 2014, four scheduled international trains arrived daily at Sofia’s Central Railway Station from Belgrade, Moscow/Kiev, Bucharest and Istanbul. 14 420 passengers arrived via international trains in 2014, which is 23% less than the relevant 2013 figure. The total aggregate figure of passengers arriving to Sofia on international and domestic trains stands at 2,215,767, 17% lower than in 2013.

The drop in the number of railway transport passengers has persisted since 2000, in favour of air transport, the reasons obviously being the comfort offered by air travel, the brevity of air travel, and the progress of low-budget airline companies.

Number of passengers arriving at Sofia Central Railway Station on board international trains (2005 -2014) 60 000 50 000 40 000 30 000 20 000 10 000 0

Reference source: Bulgarian State Railways, Passenger transportation

CITY TRANSPORT

The city transport system covers all populated places within the limits of Sofia Municipality. Public transport passenger services are handled by in-house transport operators (municipally-owned) and private transport operators. The Urban Mobility Centre oversees and coordinates their operations. A network of tramcar, trolley bus and bus lines, as well as a Metropolitan system, operates in the territory of Sofia Municipality.

In 2014, 399 buses (208 18 metre long and 191 12 metre long) tracked 69 fixed route lines, 128 trolley buses serviced 10 route lines and 272 tram railcars operated along 15 lines.

Average age of rolling stock of trams, trolley buses Rolling stock of the ground public transport and busses in Sofia in 2014 in Sofia in 2014 30 Buses 34% 20 50% Trolley buses

Trams 10 16%

0 Buses Trolley buses Trams

Reference source: “Stolichen Elektrotransport” EAD “Stolichen Autotransport” EAD

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 8

TRANSPORT Т 2014

New trolleybuses and trams were delivered during the year along with the delivery of the new MAN buses. The delivery of the new transport vehicles was parallel to the waste process of the old vehicles that have operated in the city from the early 80’s. Individual vehicles are kept for future exhibition in the museum of public transport. The city ground transport rolling stock has shrunk materially in favour of the continually expanding metro system.

Number of low-floor transport vehicles in Sofia in 2014

150

100

0 Buses Troley buses Trams

Reference source: “Stolichen Elektrotransport” EAD “Stolichen Autotransport” EAD

With lowest average age are the trolley buses – 11 years and with the highest are the trams. With the highest number of vehicles with a low floor, accessible for physically challenged people, are the buses – they form 38% of all buses, whereas the trolley buses with a low floor form 72% of all trolley buses. Having in mind this index the trams are the oldest and most inaccessible transport vehicles in the capital and that is why certain measures for improvement need to be taken up.

289.4 million passengers were transported by ground transport in 2014, 157 by buses and 132 million by trolley buses and trams. The number of transported passengers is determined by the methodology of “Sofia Urban Mobility Centre”, having in mind the distribution of transportation incomes from transport documents in 2014

Charging on city transportation vehicles is done by one-way single tickets, priced BGN 1, coupons of 5 or 10 tickets on paper or electronic pass, as well as one-day paper passes, monthly, quarterly, and yearly electronic travel passes. In electric transport, charging is done by non-contact validation of the electronic passes on specially mounted validation devices, or manually punching the tickets in composters. However, the non-contact validation of electronic passes has not as yet been introduced on buss transport vehicles, manual punching of tickets in composters is still operational on all public ground transport vehicles.

Underground urban transport, Sofia’s Metro (underground) is highly instrumental towards the efficiency of public transportation in the capital, serving up to 280 000 passengers on a workday. The total amount of the passenger flow for all metro stations in 2014 is roughly 84 million. According to the master plan for the development of its line network, the Metro must operate along three diameters with feeders in the city outskirts, with a total length of 62 km and 63 metro stations. The first diameter – Obelya – Lyulin-City – Centre – Mladost – Druzhba – Sofia Airport will run to a length of 29 km with 27 stations. The second diameter – Lozenets – City Centre – Illiantsi – will cover 17 km and 17 stations. The third diameter – Ovcha Kupel – City Centre – V.Levski will operate over 16 km and 19 metro stations. The diameters cross in a triangle in the central city area, making it possible to reach any single point on the metro routes by a single change of line. The main parts of Diameter 1 ( Obelya – Tsarigradsko Shose blvd.) and 2 (Obelya – Cherni Vrah blvd.) are operational with respective lengths of 20 and 11 kilometers. The price of a single one-way ticket for the metro is BGN 1, while the price of a season electronic ticket starts at BGN 4 and may go as high as BGN 600.

In April 2015 2 more sections will become operational (Tsarigradsko Shose blvd. – Sofia Airport) 5 kilometers long and (Mladost 1 to Mladost 4) 2,7 kilometers long.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 9

TRANSPORT Т 2014

Reference source: Metropoliten EAD

A fleet of taxicabs, regular and fixed route, cruise the city for the benefit of potential passengers. Relevant stats, however are unobtainable, as they are run by numerous private companies. Fixed-route taxis are mini-busses, operating only along pre-fixed routes. Unofficially, 403 fixed-route taxis appear to operate on 49 lines in the Sofia Municipality area, running to a total length of 1070 km (Source: marshrutki.com). The number of fixed-route lines decreases drastically from 49 to 17 in 2014. The main reason is the unprofitability due to the new metro lines connecting “Mladost” with “Luylin” and “Nadezhda” with “Lozenets”. In addition it is planned that fixed-route taxies do not enter the ideal centre of the city. The service is still operational for destinations with not enough public transport.

A great number of visitors to Sofia seem to use the services of various taxicab companies in the city, operating round the clock. Taxicabs are in effect the only possible mode of transportation in the capital city overnight, post 11.30 PM. They may be hired at designated taxi ranks or booked by phone. The average daytime cab rate per kilometre is BGN 0.78, at night time the figure is BGN 0.91 and the price of a phone booking call is BGN 0.70. The average charge* for a taxicab drive from the city centre to the airport or from the airport to the city centre will set clients back by BGN 15. * The average transportation rate is calculated on the basis of prices asked by 5 leading taxicab companies, operating in the city.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 10

ACCOMMODATION AТ 2014

The Law on Tourism, effective as of March 26 2013, defines accommodation establishments as follows: Class A – hotels, motels, apartment tourist complexes, villa compounds, tourist compounds, villas and Class B – family-run hotels, hostels, pensions, holiday houses, guest houses, guest rooms, guest apartments, bungallows and camping sites. According to Sofia Tourism Administration figures there were 469 accommodation establishments in Sofia (113 class “A” and 356 class “B”. Disposing with 10,988 rooms and 19,607 beds. As compared to 2013 the total amount of accommodation establishments has increased by 10,4% and the beds by 8,5%.

CATEGORIZED ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE TERRITORY OF SOFIA MUNICIPALITY, 2014

Technical capacity Type of categorized Number of No accommodation establishments establishments Number of Number of rooms beds Accommodation establishments 1. 113 8 537 14 730 class A 1.1. Hotels 106 8 402 14 493 1.2. Motels 4 98 183 1.3. Villa compounds 1 20 20 1.4. Tourist compounds 0 0 0 1.5. Villas 2 17 34 Accommodation establishments 2. 356 2 451 4 877 class B 2.1. Hostels 31 616 1 258 2.2. Holiday houses 2 47 94 2.3. Family-run hotels 79 1 050 1 895 2.4. Guest rooms 200 545 1 187 2.5. Guest houses 22 139 322 2.6. Bungalows 2 15 35 2.7. Camping sites 0 0 0 2.8. Cabins 1 0 0 2.9. Guest houses 19 39 86 Total 469 10 988 19 607 Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

Relative share of rooms in categorized AE Class A and Class B

22% Class А Class B 78%

Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 11

ACCOMMODATION NAТ 2014

TECHNICAL CAPACITY OF ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS CLASS A AND CLASS B IN THE TERRITORY OF SOFIA MUNICIPALITY BY CATEGORY 2012 - 2014

2012 2013 2014 2014

014

of of

ategory

(%) (%) (%)

rooms rooms rooms

201

of beds of beds of beds of

Number Number Number

Share of of Share

Number of Number of Number of Number

Number of Number of Number

number of beds beds of number

Difference in the in Difference

Share of beds of Share

establishments establishments establishments establishments Share of rooms rooms of Share ***** 8 1 391 2 341 9 1 462 2 416 9 1 462 2 416 1,92 13,31 12,32 0,00% **** 34 3 336 5 850 37 3 511 6 206 39 4 062 7 238 8,32 36,97 36,92 16,63% *** 65 2 080 3 499 71 2 224 3 743 87 2 415 4 044 18,55 21,98 20,63 8,04% ** 94 1 163 2 161 104 1 215 2 255 109 1 342 2 492 23,24 12,21 12,71 10,51% * 187 1 710 3 179 204 1 817 3 447 225 1 707 3 417 47,97 15,54 17,43 -0,87%

Total 388 9 680 17 030 425 10 229 18 067 469 10 988 19 607 100,00 100,00 100,00 8,52% Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

An overall increase in beds capacity is established in Sofia for 2014, 7,4% more rooms and 8,5% more beds compared to 2013.

It is important to note that 4 and 5 star accommodation establishments represent only 10% of all AE with 48% of the beds capacity.

4 star AE have the highest share of increase (16,6%) and the 1 star have the lowest share of decrease (0,87%). There is no change in the 5 star AE – with the same number and number of beds.

Share of AE Class A and Class B by category (%) for 2014 AE, Rooms, Beds 50,00

40,00

EA 30,00 Rooms 20,00 Beds

10,00

0,00 * ** *** **** *****

Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 12

ACCOMMODATION NAТ 2014

Territorially, accommodation establishments are highly concentrated in the central part of the city and the outlying southern urban areas. In 2014, there was no substantial change in the distribution of accommodation establishments by districts.

Iskar

Lyulin

Izgrev

Ilinden

Slatina

TOTAL

Serdica Bankya Vitosha

Sredets

Mladost

Triaditsa

Lozenets

Vrabnitsa

Oborishte

Poduyane

Nadezhda

Novi Iskar

Studentski

Pancharevo

Kremikovtsi

Krasno Selo Krasno

Ovcha Kupel Ovcha Vazrazhdane District Polyana Krasna

Number of Establishments 3 23 17 40 25 5 40 10 0 4 0 30 1 37 5 9 22 5 3 4 55 20 23 44 425 2013

Number of establishments 3 26 17 50 25 5 42 11 0 3 0 31 3 41 7 12 23 6 4 4 62 22 22 50 469 2014

Difference 2013/2014 0 3 0 10 0 0 2 1 0 -1 0 1 2 4 2 3 1 1 1 0 7 2 -1 6 44 number Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

In 2014, another 44 were added to the total number of accommodation establishments. The newly-opened establishments have been registered in 15 of the overall 24 districts of Sofia Municipality, with Triaditsa and Vitosha Districts leading the field with 10 and 7 new accommodation additions, while Iskar District and Slatina District registered a drop by 1 establishment each. Categorized accommodation establishments are lacking in Krasna Polyana District and Illinden District.

Number of accommodation establishments, categorized in the Sofia Municipality area, by districts for 2013 and 2014 70 60 50 40 30 20 2013 10 2014

Iskar

Lyulin

Izgrev

Slatina

Ilinden

Bankya

Serdica

Sredets

Vitosha

Mladost

Triaditsa

Lozenets

Vrabnitsa

Novi Iskar Novi

Oborishte

Poduyane

Nadezhda

Studentski

Krasno Selo Krasno

Kremikovtsi

Pancharevo

Ovcha Kupel Ovcha

Vazrazhdane Krasna Polyana Krasna

Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 13

ACCOMMODATION NAТ 2014

SHARE OF AE AND ROOMS IN SOFIA BY DISTRICTS FOR 2014

Share of the Share of Share of total number of the total № District accommodation total number of establishments number of beds (%) rooms (%) 1 Lyulin 0,64 0,35 0,34 2 Serdica 5,54 8,9 8,83 3 Krasno Selo 3,62 11,79 12,52 4 Triaditsa 10,66 6,88 7,56 5 Mladost 5,33 6,93 6,05 6 Novi Iskar 1,07 0,23 0,23 7 Oborishte 8,96 3,79 3,95 8 Ovcha Kupel 2,35 1,43 1,48 9 Ilinden 0 0 0 10 Iskar 0,64 1,09 0,99 11 Krasna Polyana 0 0 0 12 Lozenets 6,61 11,31 11,79 13 Nadezhda 0,64 0,09 0,18 14 Sredets 8,74 10,14 7,83 15 Poduyane 1,49 1,79 1,7 16 Studentski 2,56 4,01 4,24 17 Bankya 4,9 3,81 3,91 18 Izgrev 1,28 4,38 4,53 19 Kremikovtsi 0,85 1,14 1,12 20 Vrabnitsa 0,85 1,19 1,2 21 Vitosha 13,22 8,7 9,15 22 Pancharevo 4,69 2,04 2,04 23 Slatina 4,69 4,26 4,26 24 Vazrazhdane 10,66 5,74 6,08 TOTAL 100 100 100 Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

Vitosha district has the biggest share of AE for 2014 (13,2%), followed by Vazrazhdane, Triaditsa and Oborishte. As far as the beds are concerned, Krasno Selo has the biggest capacity (12,5%), followed by Lozenets.

KEY ACCOMMODATION DEMAND INDICATORS

The total number of persons staying overnight in accommodation facilities in the territory of Sofia Municipality in 2014 is 967,399 which is 64,421 persons more (or 7.1%) up on 2013. A 9.4% increase or 500 198 is observed in the foreign nationalities and for the Bulgarians - 4.6% or 16 871 persons.

Number of people staying overnight in Sofia Municipality accommodation facilities 2012 2013 2014 Bulgarians Foreigners Total Bulgarians Foreigners Total Bulgarians Foreigners Total 341 433 483 926 825 359 364 791 535 539 902 978 381 662 585 737 967 399 Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 14

ACCOMMODATION NAТ 2014

Relative percentage share of persons staying overnight at Sofia Municipality accommodation facilities – 2012 - 2014

2011

2012 Bulgarians Foreigners 2013

2014

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

A slight change in the percentage ratio Bulgarians to foreigners is observed in 2014 – 61% of overnights are foreign nationals, compared to 59% during the two previous years.

Number of people staying overnight by month 2014

Bulgarians Foreigners Total Number of persons staying overnight at Sofia Municipality accommodation facilities by month 2014 January 29 413 32 411 61 824 100 000 February 30 073 33 569 63 642 March 34 762 44 173 78 935 80 000 April 31 222 43 410 74 632 60 000 May 34 059 57 685 91 744 40 000 June 31 862 56 302 88 164 20 000 July 26 853 54 312 81 165 0

August 24 306 60 679 84 985

July

May

June

April March

September 29 908 59 245 89 153 August

January

October

February

December November

October 36 185 59 073 95 258 September November 36 252 47 867 84 119 December 36 767 37 011 73 778 TOTAL 381 662 585 737 967 399 Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

Number of Bulgarians and foreigners staying overnight at accommodation facilities in Sofia Municipality by months in 2014 80 000

60 000

40 000 Bulgarians 20 000 Foreigners

July

May

June

April

March

August

January

October

February

December

November September

Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 15

ACCOMMODATION NAТ 2014

The number of overnights over the year exhibits slightly higher, being slightly higher in May and October, whereas the smallest of overnights is in January and February. An increase in the number of foreigners from May to October and a decrease in the number of Bulgarians from January to February are observed.

NUMBER OF GUESTS REGISTERED AT ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS BASED IN SOFIA MUNICIPALITY CHART 2014

Difference Nationality 2013 2014 Share 2013/2014 1 Germany 41 054 46 303 7,91% 12,79% 2 Greece 41 517 42 347 7,23% 2,00% 3 Great Britain 35 652 38 292 6,54% 7,40% 4 Italy 29 920 37 068 6,33% 23,89% 5 USA 28 571 30 276 5,17% 5,97% 6 Israel 16 983 26 723 4,56% 57,35% 7 Turkey 27 084 25 334 4,33% -6,46% 8 France 25 373 25 124 4,29% -0,98% 9 Romania 20 776 24 026 4,10% 15,64% 10 Russia 21 022 20 499 3,50% -2,49% 11 Austria 14 607 15 653 2,67% 7,16% 12 Spain 13 856 15 586 2,66% 12,49% 13 The Netherlands 12 068 13 518 2,31% 12,02% 14 Macedonia 10 227 12 625 2,16% 23,45% 15 Serbia 9 709 12 366 2,11% 27,37% 16 Poland 10 157 11 785 2,01% 16,03% 17 Belgium 8 679 9 736 1,66% 12,18% 18 Hungary 8 554 9 664 1,65% 12,98% 19 Ukraine 10 942 9 273 1,58% -15,25% 20 Japan 9 038 8 949 1,53% -0,98% Other 139 750 150 590 25,71% 7,76% TOTAL 535 539 585 737 100% 9,37%

Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

The structure of the tourist flow in terms of nationality indicates dominance of EU states visitors. In 2014, German tourists came in greatest numbers to Sofia, followed by Greeks, Brits and Italians, segment not only for Sofia but for Bulgaria as well. German tourists are in second place, after the

Russians, for number over people staying overnight. For Sofia, however, Russia holds 10th place by this index with 3.5%, whereas German tourists register 12.9%.

Comparably, in 2014, there was an increase in the number of tourists from Israel (57%), Italy, Romania and Germany. Meanwhile the number of tourists from Turkey (6.5%)

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 16

ACCOMMODATION NAТ 2014

REPORTED OVERNIGHTS AT ACCOMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS, SOFIA MUNICIPALITY, ACCORDING TO Article 116 LAW ON TOURISM

REPORTED NUMBER OF OVERNIGHTS BY CLASS AND CATEGORY OF ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS

2012 г. 2013 г. 2014 г.

nts nts nts

TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL

Category

Number of of Number

Total Total

revenue (BGN) revenue

establishments

Number of beds of Number

Number of rooms of Number

Bulgarians Foreigners Bulgarians Foreigners Estimated tourist tax tax tourist Estimated ***** 1,92% 13,31% 12,32% 21,82% 4,89% 31,55% 24,58% 5,48% 37,02% 28,89% **** 8,32% 36,97% 36,92% 39,55% 32,89% 43,39% 37,06% 33,10% 39,65% 43,64% *** 18,55% 21,98% 20,63% 19,67% 25,91% 16,08% 20,05% 27,93% 14,92% 17,36% ** 23,24% 12,21% 12,71% 7,87% 15,59% 3,44% 7,07% 13,47% 2,90% 5,21% * 47,97% 15,54% 17,43% 11,08% 20,72% 5,54% 11,24% 20,02% 5,51% 4,89% TOTAL: 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

SHARE OF THE NUMBER OF OVERNIGHT STAYS BY BULGARIANS AND FOREIGN NATIONALS AT ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS – SOFIA MUNICIPALITY 2011 - 2014

Number of Reported overnights in the AE of Sofia Municipality 2012 2013 2014 Bulgarians Foreigners TOTAL Bulgarians Foreigners TOTAL Bulgarians Foreigners TOTAL 524 621 889 561 1 414 182 597 667 1 009 494 1 607 161 630 340 1 096 039 1 726 379

The ratio of reported overnights of Bulgarians and foreigners has remained unaltered over the last 3 years – 37% to 63% In 2014, the number of overnights rose by 7.4% compared to 2013. The growth rate is a bit low compared to 2013 and 2012, respectively 13% and 14% but compared to 2011 the total growth is 40.5%.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 20 ACCOMMODATION NAТ 2014

The increase on overnights realized by Bulgarians in 2014 is 5.5% and these of foreigners – 8.6% compared to the previous year.

TOP 20 FOREIGN MARKETS ACCORDING THE NUMBER OF REPORTED OVERNIGHTS IN THE ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE TERRITORY OF SOFIA MUNICIPALITY 2014 Share Share Difference № Nationality 2013 г. 2014 г. 2013 2014 2013/2014 г. 1 Germany 76 943 7,62% 81 707 7,54% 6,19% 2 Greece 71 342 7,07% 76 388 6,97% 7,07% 3 Italy 58 995 5,84% 73 452 6,70% 24,51% 4 Great Britain 64 778 6,42% 71 051 6,48% 9,68% 5 USA 59 404 5,88% 58 188 5,31% -2,05% 6 Israel 35 189 3,49% 56 357 5,14% 60,16% 7 France 44 618 4,42% 48 101 4,39% 7,81% 8 Russia 47 898 4,74% 44 642 4,07% -6,80% 9 Romania 35 773 3,54% 42 509 3,88% 18,83% 10 Turkey 43 917 4,35% 40 599 3,70% -7,56% 11 Spain 28 047 2,78% 31 113 2,84% 10,93% 12 The Netherlands 22 001 2,18% 25 535 2,33% 16,06% 13 Austria 22 644 2,24% 23 185 2,12% 2,39% 14 Poland 19 953 1,98% 23 099 2,11% 15,77% 15 Serbia 16 640 1,65% 20 838 1,90% 25,23% 16 Macedonia 17 343 1,72% 20 652 1,88% 19,08% 17 Ukraine 19 076 1,89% 18 254 1,67% -4,31% 18 Belgium 15 633 1,55% 17 604 1,61% 12,61% 19 Hungary 15 090 1,49% 16 305 1,49% 8,05% 20 China 13 855 1,37% 15 757 1,44% 13,73% Others 280 355 27,77% 290 703 26,52% 3,69% Total 1 009 494 100% 1 096 039 100% 8,57%

Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

In 2014 EU countries continue to be the most important market for international tourism for Bulgaria and Sofia. EU citizens account for 56% of the realized overnights, whereas other European citizens 15% and the rest of the world – 29%.

In 2014, the greatest number of overnights were realized by German citizens – 81 707 or 7.6%. Next in the following four positions, in a descending line, are Greece, Italy, Great Britain and USA, who, between them, account for 29% of foreign overnights. The biggest increase against 2013 is visible in the number of overnights realized by Israeli tourists (60%) and Italian tourists (25%). A high increase can be seen in the overnights realized by destinations such as India (230%), as well as the former Soviet Republics – Armenia (207%), Belarus (145%) and Moldova (133%).

The average duration of tourist sojourn in Sofia is 1.8 days; 1.7 days for Bulgarian guests and 1.9 days for foreign visitors. There is no change compared to 2013 but there is a slight increase as to 2012 when the average duration was 1,7 days. Visitors allot a day, two at best, to staying in Sofia. According to sojourn duration, visitors from Russia (2.2 days on an average), USA and Israel (2.1) days seem to be staying longest in Sofia.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 21 ACCOMMODATION NAТ 2014

OCCUPANCY RATES OF ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS IN SOFIA

The occupancy rates of accommodation facilities are a dynamic quantity which has its monthly fluctuations. It is a major indicator of the effectiveness of hotel keeping, reflecting the scope of the actual usability of the available accommodation capacities. This section presents the average monthly and average annual bed occupancy rates, calculated on the basis of declared number of realized overnight stays and number of beds.

Bed occupancy rates – Sofia Municipality accommodation facilities, by months 2013 and 2014

Difference 2013 2014 2013/2014 (%) (%) (%) January 16,91 17,12 0,21 February 17,96 20,19 2,24 March 21,40 23,17 1,78 April 22,61 23,84 1,23 May 24,30 27,44 3,14 June 24,95 26,64 1,69 July 29,11 24,38 -4,73 August 26,24 25,68 -0,56 September 25,58 27,01 1,43 October 29,63 27,88 -1,75 November 27,36 25,89 -1,47 December 20,91 20,15 -0,76 Annual average 24,37 24,12 -0,25 Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

In 2014, the average annual bed occupancy in Sofia is 24.1%, which is only 0.25% up on relevant 2013 figure. These values are low for a capital and measures should be taken as to improve them. It is important to note that a key factor for a higher occupancy of the accommodation establishments is not the price but the quality supply and professionalism.

Bed occupancy rates in Sofia by months 2013 and 2014 (%) 35,00 30,00 25,00 20,00 15,00 10,00 5,00 0,00

2013 (%) 2014 (%) Average bed occupancy, 2014

Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

A slight decrease in the occupancy is observed during the first half of 2014 but it cannot compensate for the decrease during the second half, especially in July (5%) which is considered to be a month with high occupancy.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 22 ACCOMMODATION NAТ 2014

Average annual bed occupancy rates of accommodation establishment category for 2012, 2013 and 2014

Category ***** **** *** ** * Annual occupancy

2012 (%) 39,10% 25,10% 20,58% 15,50% 14,12% 22,88% 2013 (%) 39,17% 27,99% 22,40% 16,80% 14,57% 24,37% 2014 (%) 42,71% 25,85% 23,01% 14,95% 15,34% 24,12% Difference 3,54% -2,14% 0,61% -1,85% 0,77% -0,25% 2013/2014 Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

The highest average annual bed occupancy is registered in 5-star hotels and the lowest among 1 and 2 stars. In 2014, there has been a drop in this indicator 4- and 2-star accommodation establishments, respectively with 2,1% and 1,9%.

Average annual bed occupancy rates in Sofia – 2012, 2013 and 2014

50%

40% 2012 30% 2013 20% 2014

10%

0% ***** **** *** ** *

Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

SOFIA’S POSITION IN TOURISM IN BULGARIA

According to NSI figures for 2014 4.1% of accommodation establishments and 3.9% of bed facilities in Bulgaria are located in Sofia. Sofia’s share in the number of overnights is 7% of the total of overnights realized across the country, while the share of persons staying overnight is 14.5% (10% Bulgarians and 19.6% foreigners). The average length of stay in the capital is 1.8 days, while the general figure for the country is 3.7 days. The average annual bed occupancy rate in the capital is 35.8%, being 18.9% for the country.

Sofia district (capital) is: - 3rd regarding overnight revenue – Burgas /350 million leva/, Varna /223 million leva/ and Sofia /109 million leva/. - 4th regarding gross bed occupancy – Burgas (47%), Dobrich (42%), Varna (40%) and Sofia (36%) - 5th regarding number of beds after Burgas, Varna, Blagoevgrad and Dobrich

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 23 ACCOMMODATION NAТ 2014

Share in Indicator Bulgaria Sofia national total % Number of establishments 3 163 131 4,14 Number of beds 314 257 12 232 3,89 Number of overnight stays 21 698 391 1 524 633 7,03 Bulgarians 7 620 593 512 294 6,72 Foreigners 14 077 798 1 012 339 7,19 Number of overnight guests 5 945 908 861 512 14,49 Bulgarians 3 154 330 315 476 10 Foreigners 2 791 578 546 036 19,56 Average stay (days) 3,7 1,8 - Bed occupancy (%) 18,9 35,8 - Average 1 overnight income 46 BGN 72 BGN -

average 1 person staying 168 BGN 127 BGN - overnight income Average 1 bed income 3177 BGN 8967 BGN -

Overnights revenue (BGN) 998 344 818 109 681 240 10,99

Reference Source: NSI *data only from NSI has been used

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 24 CATERING AND ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS NAТ 2014

CATERING AND ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS IN SOFIA MUNICIPALITY FOR 2014

2014

Types of Capacity % establishments Number Number Number Share of seats of seats TOTAL (indoor) (outdoor) Restaurants 1 324 20,43 78 932 39 401 118 333

Fast food 1 701 26,24 51 422 32 395 83 817

Café aperitifs, 1 424 21,97 31 027 17 757 48 784 pubs, etc. Coffee and sweet 1 544 23,82 35 807 17 472 53 279 shops Bars 489 7,54 26 783 6 201 32 984

TOTAL: 6 482 100 223 971 113 226 337 197 Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

Number of categorised catering and entertainment establishments in Sofia by types, 2014

Bars Coffee and sweet shop Aperitifs and pubs Fast food outlets Restaurants

0 500 1 000 1 500 2 000

Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

By the end of 2014 there were 6 482 registered and categorized catering and entertainment establishments in Sofia, 1324 of them restaurants, 1701 fast food outlets, 1424 aperitifs and pubs, 1544 coffee and sweet shops, and 489 bars. In 2014, the number of catering and entertainment establishments went up by 5%, with a highest increase of 8.6% by restaurants and coffee and sweet shops mark the lowest of 3%

The technical capacity of catering and entertainment establishments in Sofia Municipality includes indoor and outdoor seats. Indoor seats are twice the number of outdoor seats. In 2014, the total number of seats in catering and entertainment establishments amounted to 337,197, 66% of them are indoor – fitted and 34% of them outdoor-mounted, mostly with a seasonal schedule of operation.

Share of CEE in the territory of Sofia Municipality by types, 2014 (%) 7,55 Restaurants 20,45 23,82 Fast food outlets 26,19 22 Aperitifs and pubs

Coffee and sweet shop

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 25 CATERING AND ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS NAТ 2014

2014 looks much like 2013 regarding CEE category structure – fast food outlets are with the biggest share – 26%, followed by coffee and sweet shops – 24%, aperitifs and pubs – 22%, restaurants – 20% and bars – 8%.

TECHNICAL CAPACITY (INDOOR SEATS AND OUTDOOR SEATS) OF CATERING AND ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS BY TYPES AND CATEGORY IN 2014, SOFIA MUNICIPALITY

Capacity Number of Seats Seats establishments TOTAL (indoor) (outdoor)

RESTAURANTS ***** 13 1 064 499 1 563 **** 18 1 434 255 1 689 *** 74 6 359 2 387 8 746 ** 357 23 463 11 011 34 474 * 862 46 612 25 249 71 861 TOTAL 1324 78 932 39 401 118 333 FAST FOOD ***** 0 0 0 0 **** 0 0 0 0 *** 14 625 296 921 ** 190 8 885 6 969 15 854 * 1 497 41 912 25 130 67 042 TOTAL 1 701 51 422 32 395 83 817 CAFÉ APERITIFS, PUBS, ETC. ***** 0 0 0 0 **** 0 0 0 0 *** 2 153 0 153 ** 84 3 615 1 930 5 545 * 1 338 27 259 15 827 43 086 TOTAL 1 424 31 027 17 757 48 784 COFFEE AND SWEET SHOPS ***** 1 20 0 20 **** 4 211 244 455 *** 2 83 0 83 ** 164 6 058 3 574 9 632 * 1 373 29 435 13 654 43 089 TOTAL 1 544 35 807 17 472 53 279 BARS ***** 13 875 57 932 **** 26 1 085 85 1 170 *** 67 3 337 421 3 758 ** 132 11 008 699 11 707 * 251 10 478 4 939 15 417 TOTAL 489 26 783 6 201 32 984 TOTAL 6 482 223 971 113 226 337 197 Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

With regard to CEE category structure, 1-star CEE have a considerable share superiority – 82%, while high-category ones (4-and 5-star) constitute a mere 1% of all CEE. According to Sofia CEE technical capacity figures, 35% of seats in them are accommodated in restaurants, 25% in Fast Food establishments, 16% in coffee and sweet shops, 14% in aperitifs, pubs, etc., and 10% in bars.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 26 CATERING AND ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS NAТ 2014

The distribution of seats by CEE category indicates that 71% of the overall number of seats are to be found in 1-star CEE, 23% in 2-star CEE, and the balance of 6% are to be found in 3-, 4- and 5-star CEE.

In mid 2013 the pavement right tax is decreased in order to stimulate SMEs and avoid establishment closure. According to the change in the regulation for administrative local taxes and services of Sofia Municipality the tax for first zone is 22,95 leva per square meter, 19,38 leva for second, 15,75 for third and 16,32 leva for fourth.

Technical capacity of CCE in Sofia by types 2014

Bars

Coffee and sweet …

Aperitifs and pubs

Fast food outlets

Restaurants

0 50 000 100 000 150 000

Total seats Outdoor seats Indoor seats

Reference Source: Sofia Tourism Administration

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 27 PRICES OF SOME COMMODITIES AND TOURIST SERVICES NAТ 2014

COMPARISON WITH PRICES IN SOME EUROPEAN CAPITALS

The Bulgarian capital Sofia offers a broad range of tourist services and products. Over recent years, the co-relation between price and quality compared to most European cities has been on an adequately competitive level. This is a serious advantage in terms of attracting an increasing tourist flow.

Average prices of some commodities and tourist services in some European capitals in 2014 (Euro) Sofia Belgrade Budapest Bucharest Warsaw Zagreb Istanbul Ljubljana Prague Skopje Athens Tirana

One - course lunch/dinner in a 4,09 5 4,72 4,45 4,67 5,21 4,78 7 3,89 3,25 10 5 standard restaurant Three - course lunch/dinner for two in a 21,21 21,58 25,18 22,26 25,69 26,05 22,07 30 21,4 19,5 40 19 medium-priced restaurant Big Mac Menu 3,73 4 4,71 4,02 3,97 4,56 4,78 5 4,46 3,25 6 3,11

Local beer (0.5 l) 1,02 1,26 1,13 1,11 1,87 1,82 2,94 2,5 1,07 1,62 4 1,03

Imported beer (0.33 l) 1,53 1,52 1,42 1,78 1,87 1,95 3,31 2,8 1,43 1,95 4 1,75

Cappuccino 1,1 1,26 1,18 1,65 1,93 1,3 2,27 1,44 1,46 1,37 3,13 0,96

Coke/ 0,85 1,28 0,83 0,97 0,92 1,69 0,84 1,97 1,04 1,32 1,27 0,96 Pepsi (0.33 l/bottle) Mineral 0,53 0,9 0,57 0,73 0,68 1,2 0,28 1,56 0,8 0,69 0,5 0,51 water (0.33 l/bottle)

Pack of cigarettes 2,56 2,03 3,15 3,12 3,26 3,26 3,49 3,7 3,07 1,95 4 2

One-way ticket for the 0,51 0,59 1,1 0,33 1,03 1,3 0,79 1,2 0,93 0,57 1,2 0,21 public transport One-month transport 25,26 26,85 31,48 11,13 23,35 46,89 57,01 37 19,62 21,1 30 9,59 pass

Taxi service – 1 km 0,4 0,57 0,88 0,31 0,56 0,65 0,7 0,9 0,89 0,41 0,82 2,14

Reference source: www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

Prices in some European capitals in 2014 (Еuro)

Tirana Athens Prague Ljubljana Istanbul Zagreb Warsaw Bucharest Budapest Belgrade Sofia

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 Big Mac menu Local draught beer (0.5 l) Cappuccino Mineral water (0.33 l/bottle) Single ticket for the public transport Taxi service per 1 km

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 28 PRICES OF SOME COMMODITIES AND TOURIST SERVICES NAТ 2014

BACKPACKER Index in the low-cost European capital cities in 2014 (Euro) In every destination this daily ‘package‘ 35 includes: 30 25 * Bed in a good and low-cost hostel 20 * Three - course meal in a standard/low- 15 cost restaurant 10 * Two public transport tickets 5 * One paid cultural attraction (museum, 0 gallery) * Three low-cost beers or coffees

Reference source: www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

The Backpacker Index gives a general idea of the minimum tourist expenditures, aiming assist tourists in finding the most advantageous destination from their point of view. It includes total cost for a group of essential services for the traveller in a particular destination. Although the prices shown are based on a potential tourist trip with limited budget, they can serve as a clear guide for more financially comfortable travellers.

According to this index in 2012 and 2013 Sofia was second among the European capitals, offering the lowest prices for a one-day budget stay. In 2014 there was an increase of prices and in return in the index, placing Sofia 3rd after Kiev and Bucharest.

AVERAGE PRICES FOR OVERNIGHT IN HOTEL IN SOME EUROPEAN CAPITALS

Single overnight average stay in some European capitals 2014 (euro) 250

200

150

100

Riga

Oslo

Paris

Sofia

Rome

Berlin

Lisbon

Dublin

Vienna

Prague

Athens

Madrid

London

Istanbul

Warsaw

Brussels

Edinburg

Budapest

Bucharest

Stockholm

Amsterdam Copenhagen

Reference source: trivago.bg

* The hotel price index of trivago.bg shows the average overnight price for a standard double room in the most searched European destinations. Trivago uses data from all 50 international platforms, which preform over 2 million requests per day.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 29 PRICES OF SOME COMMODITIES AND TOURIST SERVICES NAТ 2014

Sofia is in 10th place among the leading Bulgarian destinations based on average single overnight price for 2014. The average price is lower than the one in the most popular sea (Sunny Beach, Nesebar, Golden Sands and St. Vlas) and winter (Bansko, Velingrad, Pamporovo) resorts, and higher that the one in our big towns – Burgas, Varna and Plovdiv.

Average single overnight price in leading Bulgarian destinations (leva)

200

150

100

Reference source: trivago.bg, hotel price index, Bulgaria 2014

Sofia is in top 10 in international charts

According to the chart of reservation portal - hotel.info, the hotels in Sofia have one of the best value for money. Bulgaria’s capital is in top ten among the cities with best results on this index. With a 7,69 point result out of 10 possible, Sofia is 7th in the chart that over 2 million people voted in.

The readers of the British daily paper placed Sofia 7th in regard to best city break destinations. Our capital is placed after Bologna, Nice, Alegro, Sarajevo, Ljubljana and Granada and is before Thessaloniki, Wroclaw and Basel.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 30 MORE ABOUT SOFIA NAТ 2014

The capital of Bulgaria – Sofia – is the biggest town in the country. A flight to Sofia from London or Moscow is approximately 3 hours, from Paris or Berlin – 2 hours and only one hour from our neighbouring capitals Athens, Bucharest and Belgrade. The modern city has unique ancient temples and ruins from antiquity. The thousands of years of history, the cultural, sport and business events, the wonderful opportunities for conferences turn the city into a much-preferred tourist destination. In 2014 Sofia received two big awards: “UNESCO’s “Creative City of Film” and European capital of sport 2018.

HISTORY

Blessed to carry one of the names of God’s Wisdom the Bulgarian capital is one of the oldest settlements in the European continent. This is a city with 8 centuries of history, established near hot healing mineral springs at the crossroad of Western Europe, Asia Minor and the Middle East. Through its rich historical and cultural heritage the city tells the history of Europe from Neolithic times to present day. Being an administrative and spiritual centre of great importance where cultural tolerance is remarkable, throughout time Sofia has had different names – Serdika, Sredets, Triaditsa and Sofia. Each new historical layer is built without destroying the previous ones.

As early as 7 century BC Sofia is part of Europe’s map – this is the ancient Thracian city of the Serdi tribe that later the Romans document as Serdika. From 1 century the city is part of the Roman Empire and flourishes as centre of Dacia Inferior. Fortress walls and towers, administrative buildings and temples, are being built, and the city’s thermal springs are famous throughout the Roman Empire. In Serdika reside many Roman emperors but two of them have a strong connection with the city. Emperor Galerius, who in 311 issued the “Edict of religious tolerance” and stopped the persecutions against the Christians for the first time in the history of the Roman Empire, is the first. The famous words “Serdika is my Rome” of emperor Constantine the Great reveal his relation to the city. Serdika is a great event centre, as well – the Serdika oecumenical council takes place here in 343. During the time of “the great settlement”, 5 – 6 AD, despite the numerous invasions of Huns and Goths that lead to devastations of the city, Serdika revives as an important administrative and economic centre of the Eastern Roman Empire. In 809 the city is already part of the Bulgarian state, carrying the name Sredets. In 1018 the city receives its third name, as part of the Eastern Roman Empire – Triaditsa – translated “among the mountains”. In 1393, after the liberation from the Roman Empire and during Bulgaria’s fall under Ottoman rule, Sredets flourishes. Many Christians temples are being built, such as the Boyana church, part of the UNESCO heritage, many exquisite public buildings are built, as well. It is believed that the last change of the name happened in 14 AD, when the city was named after St. Sophia Basilica, at the time being a bishop’s residence. In 1378 for the first time Sofia’s name was mentioned in a gift deed by Tsar Ivan Shishman for the Dragalevtsi monastery.

Since 1382, when the city fell under Ottoman rule, its outlook changed completely – the Christian temples were turned into mosques and Sofia’s silhouette was full of domes and minarets. The structure plan was based on neighbourhoods formed under ethnic principle. Until the Liberation Sofia’s centre is the square before the Mineral Bathhouse and Bania Bashi mosque, built in 15 AD by the most prominent architect in the history of Ottoman architecture – Mimar Sinan. During the Ottoman rule Sofia is a craft and trade centre, as well. The economic prosperity of the local population makes it possible for a ring of temples around the city to be built – upholders of Bulgarian faith and an important spiritual and enlightenment centre.

On January 4, 1878 Sofia is liberated from Ottoman rule and the following year, on April 3 1879 is proclaimed as capital of Bulgaria. The city slowly gains European outlook. Streets are paved, schools, gardens and administrative buildings are built. A system of sewers is built, as well as telegraphs and telephones. During the 30s and the time of Boris III Sofia is a modern capital but durung the Second World War is partly destroyed by Allied bombers. After September 9, 1944 the city changes its outlook again in accordance with the political changes. On September

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 31 MORE ABOUT SOFIA NAТ 2014

1946 Bulgaria is a country of the People and in the already socialist capital Sofia, in the city centre, Nezavisimost “Independence” square and the massive stone compound the Largo – today known as the “triangle of power” headquarters of the President’s residence, the Council of Ministers and the Parliament commission, once the Residence of the Party – were built. The National Palace of Culture was built honouring 1300 years of the founding of Bulgaria. The last political change in Bulgaria took place on November 10, 1989, when the road to democracy and free-market economy was paved, which again changed the outlook of the city. Today Sofia is a dynamically evolving European city with a constantly modernizing infrastructure - here the energetic contemporary rhythm, the 8 millennia of history and the free spirit of Bulgaria meet.

CULTURE

In 2014 Sofia hosted many significant cultural events. Many world-famous performers had their concerts here, such as the Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in May. July was full of concerts: English rock musician Roger Hodgson, British actor, comedian, writer and musician Hugh Laurie and Filip Kirkorov. In the height of the summer the American trash-metal Tastement visited Sofia for the first time. Lara Fabian visited our capital for the first time in October and in December Goran Bregovich and his wedding and funeral band made the Bulgarian audience happy just before Christmas.

Music and dance festivals – Antistatic (April), A to Jazz festival (June), Sofia Rocks (July), open air opera festival (July), Art of Baroque (October-November),”Young Musical Talents” International Festival (November). Contemporary art, fun and way of live festivals - Salon of the Arts (May), Sofia Poetics (May), Water Tower Art fest (June), Sofia Breathes (August), Sofia Puppet Fair (September), ON! Fest (September), International Sofia Book Fair and International Sofia Literature Fair (December).

Structure by nationality Age structure Number of visitors of cultural institutions for 2014 Children TOTAL Bulgarians Foreigners students adults and pupils

1 National Museum of History 177 550 95 091 18 759 34 421 17 490 61 360

2 Boyana Church 46 896 14 569 27 585 5 178 4 876 32 100

3 National Art Gallery 67 085 - - 11 544 - 55 541

4 Crypt at St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 18 383 - - 1 443 - 16 940

5 Museum of Socialist Art 3 958 - - 1 793 - 2 165

6 National Military History Museum 88 666 - - - - -

7 The Archaeological level of St Sophia Basilica 27 991 15 498 12 492 4 725 2 388 20 878

8 Knyaz Alexander Batemberg Tomb 4 581 3 208 1 373 2 400 808

9 Vrana park museum 39 500 38 500 1 000 - - -

10 National Polytechnic Museum 12 389 11 781 608 7 012 1 333 4 044

11 Earth and Man National Museum 55 000 - - - - -

12 National Museum of Natural History 52 280 48 333 3 947 32 419 - 19 861

13 National Archaeological Institute with Museum BAS 17 749 8 717 9 032 4 306 3 360 10 183

14 National Anthropological museum BAS 1 242 1 183 59 258 - 984

Institute of Ethnology Folklore with Ethnographical Museum 15 14 916 12 126 2 790 7 170 1 100 9 436 BAS Total 628 186 249 006 77 645 112 669 30 547 234 300

*Figures concern the total number of visitors at NHM including 63700 visitors (free pass days) and disadvantaged people **Earth and Man National Museum was closed for 3 months for re-construction

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 32 MORE ABOUT SOFIA NAТ 2014

It has to be noted that the museums have different systems for counting the number of visitors, and most of them have free-pass days, when visitors are not counted. As a consequence, the true number of visitors is much higher than the figures in the table. The total number of the visitors in the most significant museums in Sofia is 595 000 people. Compared to 2013 there is an increase in the number of visitors in all museums except Boyana Church and the Museum of Socialist Art. Most visited is the National History Museum (177 550 people), 84% of whom are Bulgarians. Second comes the National Military History Museum (88 666 people) followed by the National Art Gallery (67 085 people).

NATURE – Green Sofia

Sofia is surrounded by three mountains – Vitosha to the south, Lyulin to the west and and the Balkan Range to the north, Sofia can boast of a unique location, generous nature and diverse scenery. Very close to the city is Vitosha Nature Park offering opportunities for paragliding, skiing, snowboarding, ice and rock climbing, alpinism and many more extreme sports during the four seasons.

The City Garden Park, the Borisova Gradina Park, the Doctors’ Garden and the South Park are most emblematic among Sofia’s parklands. Vrana Park lies within the limits of Sofia Municipality - formerly a royal residence and a monument to gardening. From this year on the park’s administration has a new attraction – wedding ceremonies and photo-shooting sessions.

The green spaces in Sofia will become more this year. A new park is being built in “Zona B-5) Vazrazhdane district. The park will be 43 decares big with various attractions.

Green Sofia is proud of its 95 centuries-old trees. These are trees mainly from the summer oak species (Quercus robur L.) and (Quercus frainetto Ten.). There are spruces (Picea abies), (Sophoro japonica), elms, plane-trees and Swahilis, all imported species, part of Sofia’s park structure. The oldest tree is 500 years old – an oak (Slaveykov’s oak) and is located in Lozenets district, close to Sveti Naum blvd, and the biggest girt (447) has the summer oak (Quercus robur L.) at Ariana Lake in Borisova Gradina park.

SPORTS AND LEISURE

In 2014 Sofia won the “European capital of sport 2018” award – determined by the European ACES commission. It saw our city as an excellent example of sport for everyone, as a tool for providing a healthier life, integration, education, which are among the primary initiative’s goals.

Sofia has many sports facilities, for popular, as well as for professional sport – 6 stadiums, 6 sports halls, 6 swimming centres, rowing and horse-riding facilities, ice rinks and a cycling track. Numerous sporting activities and sports clubs are based in Sofia, most popular among them being Levsky, CSKA, Lokomotiv and Slavia Football Clubs. Although football is the most popular sport, basketball and volleyball are also sports of long-standing traditions. Other popular sports include rhythmic gymnastics, tennis, boxing, marksmanship and wrestling.

Municipal efforts to turn Sofia into a cycling-friendly city are beginning to bear fruit. The capital has a 30-km total of cycling tracks. As well as in the city, cyclists can opt for a ride along Aleko-Cherni Vrah-

Zheleznitsa mountain track or jump on the band-waggon in the annual 100-km tour of Vitosha Mountain.

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 33 MORE ABOUT SOFIA NAТ 2014

DISCOVER SOFIA FREE WALKING TOUR

To promote the cultural and historical heritage in downtown Sofia, Sofia Municipality and its Tourist Services Municipal Enterprise, have been organizing and conducting a free walking tour for Sofia residents and guests. Cultural and historical sites as well as government institutions are presented and promoted via infotainment, instructive and educational lectures, conducted by professional guides.

The route of the free walking tour runs through 23 cultural and historical sites in the centre of the city, highlighting its 8000-year old history, which tells the story of Europe, too. The guided lectures are given in Bulgarian, English or any other language as requested by enrolling attendants.

For the fourth year in a row, the interest in the “Discover Sofia – central city part” free walking tour has been immense. The total number of free walking tours, conducted over 2014 is 63, and the number of attendants – 1203. Compared to 2013, in 2014 there was not a significant change in the number of tours but the number of attendants has decreased by (19% or 282 persons).

50 of the tours were conducted as exclusively requested by universities, schools, private organizations, schools in the capital city exhibiting the greatest interest.

March appears to have been the busiest month in 2014, with the largest number of conducted free walking tours – 11 and 241 attendants. The least number of walking tours were conceivably held in the winter months owing to unfavourable climatic conditions. Detailed information on the free walking tour Discover Sofia may be obtained at the Tourist Information Centre, located in St Kliment Ohridski University subway on via phone +359 2 491 83 44 and +359 2 491 83 45.

PILGRIMAGE ROUTES TRAILS ORGANIZED WITH THE SUPPORT OF SOFIA MUNICIPALITY

VIA SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION

In the 13-14th Centuries Sofia (then Sredets) was surrounded by a “necklace” of monasteries. Most of the monasteries are located in the foothills of the mountains neighbouring Sofia – Vitosha, Lyulin, Lozenska Mountains, etc. Owing to the great number of cloisters dotted around a comparatively small area, the region is also known as the Holy Mount of Sofia, on a parallel with Holy Mount Athos in Greece. Research has revealed that the monasteries originally numbered 100, but today 14 are preserved in a better condition.

Sofia Tourism Administration conducts, on an annual basis, 4 free-of-charge pilgrimage routes. Three of them lead to monasteries in Sofia Holy Mount and the fourth to Rila Monastery. They are usually held on the feast days of the individual places of worship.

 The Miracle-maker of Rila Pilgrimage Route, held 1-6 August 2014, from Sofia to the Rila Monastery.  The Holy Protection of the Mother of God Pilgrimage Route, held on October 1 2014, from St Petka Church in Kremikovtsi district to Kremikovtsi Monastery of St George.  The Holy Trinity Royal Pilgrimage Route on June 8 2014 from St St Kirik and Yulita Church in Bankya district to Divotino Monastery of the Holy Trinity  The Ascension of the Lord Pilgrimage Route, held on the church feast days of the Ascension of the Lord on May 29 2014 from St St Constantine and Elena Church in the village of Dolni Lozen to the Lozen Monastery of St Saviour.

Detailed information on the pilgrimage routes can be obtained at the Tourist Information Centre, located in St Kliment Ohridski University subway, tel.: +359 2 491 83 45/44; [email protected]

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 34 GLOSSARY NAТ 2014

TERMS USED

Accommodation establishments – Accommodation establishments are a sub-group of tourist sites, incorporating hotels, motels, apartments, tourist compounds, villa compounds, Villas, family-run hotels, hostels, pensions, holiday houses, guest rooms, guest apartments, guest houses, bungalows and camping sites. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.) Average accommodation occupancy rate – A derivative indicator reflecting the degree of utilization of the available accommodation capacity of the accommodation establishment. It is calculated as the ration between the number of overnights realized and the number of beds ready for exploitation. (a work definition, created for the purpose of this publication). Backpacker – a tourist practicing backpacking tourism Backpacking – a low-cost form of tourism, regardless of the type of tourist travel and transport. The term ”backpack” comes English, literally ”rucksack”, and refers to tourists, carrying on their backs big tourist backpacks or other luggage that is easily carried on long distances. It involves the use of public transport, low-cost accommodation (mostly hostel or youth hostel) and a longer duration of stay compared to traditional holiday travel related mostly to sightseeing. It is practiced mainly by young people who have more free time. Bar – offers a wide assortment of alcoholic and soft drinks. Cocktails, hot drinks, nuts, pastry and seats as well as a limited range of culinary products. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014). Bungalow – accommodation facility, made up of structures for seasonal or year-round operation, equipped with bathroom gear and not necessarily with a kitchen unit. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014 Camping site – A secure plot of land with due infrastructure and conditions, facilitating tourist stay with own or hired tent or caravan trailer, as well as parking space and tourist services on offer. The site may comprise bungalows, caravan trailers (temporary, stationary, mobile (wheeled) accommodation spot, bathroom and kitchenette not being a due regulation. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.) Catering and entertainment establishments – Pursuant to the Law on Tourism, catering and entertainment establishments are a sub-group of tourist sites, involving restaurants, Fast Food, aperitifs, pubs, etc., coffee and sweet shops and bars. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.) Coffee and Sweet Shops – Establishments for complementary feeding, offering sweet products, ice-cream, pastry products, soft and alcoholic drinks (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.) Coffee aperitifs, pubs, etc. – Offer a rich assortment of alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and snacks. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.) Family-run hotel – A building with an appropriate architectural design, comprising 10-20 rooms for tourist accommodation, carrying out hotel business. The establishment is run by hosts or specially hired staff, who perform personal service to guests./ A Family hotel has at least one catering and entertainment outlet. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.).

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 35 GLOSSARY NAТ 2014

Fast Food establishments – Offer a limited assortment of typed culinary products and/or ready packaged goods, desserts, drinks-soft and alcoholic. Have high put-through. Self service is main form of service. May offer a combined form of service (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.) Guest House – A low-rise building availing a maximum of 10 accommodation rooms. Guests enjoy common areas such as sitting room, furnished kitchen, dining room or dining area and recreation in the yard. The accommodation establishment is run by the hosts who also offer service an d meals( at least breakfast) to the guests in circumstances similar to home. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.) Guest houses – individual apartments in an apartment building, let to tourists (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette, No 30/26.03.2013, valid as of 26.03.2013, amended State Gazette No 68/02.08.2013, valid as of 02.08.2013, amended State Gazette No 109/20.12.2013, State Gazette amended No 40/13.0532014 Guest Rooms – Up to 5 rooms- individual or in flats, in a single building, extended to tourists for overnight stays. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.). Holiday House – An individual accommodation establishment with prevalent social functions and infrastructure, offering wellness, spa, sports and other services. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.) Hostel – a building for low-budget accommodation, functionally separated as individual rooms and/or common rooms – for men, women and/or mixed. WC, living-room, equipped kitchen with a dining room, are shared. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.). Hotel – A generally available building or buildings, functionally related, with a minimum of 15 rooms for accommodation, offering basic and complementary tourist services, related to the tourists’ stay. For hotels, built prior to June 1 2013, and hotels located in populated places or in parts of them are of historical, archaeological, ethnographic or architectural importance, the number of rooms is allowed to be smaller by 20%. The hotel must have at least one catering and entertainment establishment. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.). Motel – A type of roadside hotel for accommodation and services for motorists, located outside a populated place, in close proximity to a busy transport junction or motorway. The motel is geared with at least one catering and entertainment establishment. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.) Passengers – All persons carrying out movement between two or more geographical points with varying purpose and varying length. (International recommendations for tourism statistics (IRTS 2008) Pension (hostel) – Accommodation establishment (usually for longer accommodation) geared with the necessary furnishings, equipment, and utensils for self service. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.) Restaurants – Generally available catering and entertainment establishments, offering meals and pastry, as well as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. Customer service is performed by duly qualified waitressing staff using special forms of serving (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.).

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 36 GLOSSARY NAТ 2014

Tourism – Tourism is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon, related to the movement of people to places outside their traditional place of residence for private or professional aims. (International recommendations for tourism statistics (IRTS 2008). Tourist – Under the Law on Tourism in the Republic of Bulgaria (2013), a” tourist” is a visitor whose stay is at least 24 hours, thus spending at least one night in the visited destination and the aim of visit is tourism, recreation, sport, wellness procedures, business, visits with family and friends, pilgrimage, participation in a cultural, congress, conference or other event. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.). Tourist compound – A separate, territorially distinct group of accommodation facilities and/or accommodation establishments with a common engineering and tourism infrastructure, offering basic and supplementary tourist services. It must comprise at least five accommodation facilities and one catering and entertainment establishment. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.). Tourist destination – A regulated sum total of economic, social, cultural and ecological activities, carried out in tourist sites with actual limits, with the view of producing, selling and using of goods and services, generating the attractiveness of the tourist product (package) with sustained competitiveness and efficiency. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.). Tourist hut – a massive building, for short-term recreation, with basic and additional tourist services. Furnished and equipped, facilitated with appliances for individual use by tourists. It offers tourist, ecological and other information. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.). Villa – individual accommodation establishment, solidbuilt and low-rise, incorporating at least: hallway, living room, two bedrooms, kitchenette, dining room, bathroom, terrace and parking space. Garage is required only for 5-star category. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.) Villa Compound – A separate territorial district group of low-rise, solid-built villas with a multi-purpose engineering and tourist infrastructure offering basic and diverse complementary tourist services. It is made up of at least 5 villas and incorporates at least one catering and entertainment establishment. (Law on Tourism, published in the State Gazette No 30/March 26 2013, valid as of March 26 2013; amended State Gazette No 68/August 2 2013, valid as of August 2013; amended State Gazette No 109/ December 20 2013, amended State Gazette No 40/ May 13 2014.)

ABBREVIATIONS USE

АЕ – Accommodation establishments NSI – National Institute of Statistics Railway transport - Railway transport RCE - Restaurants, catering and entertainment establishments SCC – Sofia City Council STA – Sofia Tourism Administration T1 – Sofia Airport Terminal 1 T2 – Sofia Airport Terminal 2

SOFIA TOURISM ADMINISTRATION 37