Chepelare

Bulgaria has witnessed a bustling winter tourism season, with a total of 1.8 million tourists gracing its picturesque landscapes from December 1 to March 25. Data from the Ministry of Tourism reveals notable increases in visitor numbers, with Turkish tourists leading the surge, marking a remarkable 29.1% rise compared to the previous year.

President Rumen Radev, along with experts in winter sports and infrastructure development, has spearheaded discussions on Bulgaria's potential bid to host the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Bulgaria experienced a remarkable surge in winter tourism from December 1, 2023, to March 25, 2024, with a total of 1.8 million tourist check-ins recorded across the country. Among these, Bulgarian tourists dominated the scene, comprising 1.3 million of the total arrivals.

A tragic incident has occurred in Chepelare, Bulgaria, where a 21-year-old skier lost his life after a fatal accident on an advanced track, as reported by BNR. The young man, hailing from Kostinbrod, was enjoying a holiday in the town when the unfortunate event took place yesterday afternoon, around 4 p.m.

At the moment, the snow cover in Pamporovo is 80 cm, and the owners of the tourist centers cannot be happier about their numerous clientele, which fills the ski slopes, hotels and restaurants. This year, nature smiled favorably on the Rhodope winter resort.

More than 400 people were evacuated from a burning hotel in Pamporovo. The fire broke out shortly after midnight.

The fire was caused by grease built-up in the exhaust system of the hotel's restaurant. The flames spread and reached the roof structure, destroying 70 sq. m of it. The building and 50 sq.m of the roof were saved.

After a one-year pause, the Chepelarski tarkala race will take place again, Mayor of Chepelare, Slavka Chakarova, told Focus Radio. 

On July 19, Friday, the head of state Rumen Radev and his wife Desislava Radeva will attend the opening of the Rozhen fair. The President will open the event with the rhythm of Rhodope bells from the central stage of the Rozhen meadows near Smolyan at 10.30 am.

The ski season will also be opened in Chepelare on Saturday, Chepelare Mayor Slavka Chakarova said in an interview for Focus Radio this morning. Town guests could use the lift free throughout the day and enjoy surprises and festivities.

Bulgaria reinforces its image of one of the most sought-after destinations for winter tourism. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Tourism Irena Georgieva at a meeting in Chepelare for the readiness of the municipalities Smolyan and Chepelare for the forthcoming winter season.