Hotels in Sofia report a 20% drop in occupancy rates

Occupancy rates of hotels in Sofia fell dramatically with over 20%, compared to the same period in 2009, said Vitan Ivanov, Chairman of the Sofia Tourist Council. This refers especially to high category business hotels of four and five stars. Our hope lies within the development of the winter tourism in Vitosha mountain, pointed out Ivanov. Bulgarians hold a 60% average share in the rented accommodations, although their overall number has decreased. Mainly foreigners choose the expensive business hotels. "We have no drop in the occupancy, but this is at the expense of the prices which we have reduced by about 20 %," explained Petrana Grahlyova, Director Marketing and Sales in the FPI Hotels and Resorts. Lower category hotels of the chain Greenville and Hill Hotel report an increase in the occupancy. But it is offset by the raise in tourist visits, as well as with the amplified visits of tourist exchanges. Prices per night range from €90 in three star hotels to €140 in hotels of higher category.