• Online travel company, Opodo, has named Bulgaria as the top emerging tourist destination for 2007 and it has been voted the 4th top tourist destination in the world. (Source: Washington Post).
• 70% of tourism is currently concentrated in the summer resorts of the Black Sea Coast region.
• However, ski resorts are developing quickly, with an annual average of 190 days of skiing.
• Bulgaria is a politically stable country and has one of the most liberal foreign investment laws in the region.
• Sustained economic growth - Bulgaria has averaged GDP growth of more than 5% pa over the last 5 years.
• As part of its new membership of the EU, joining on 1st Jan 2007, Bulgaria will be receiving up to €11 billion of economic aid through to 2013.
• Increasing number of low cost flights to Sofia for ski resorts and Bourgas for Black Sea resorts. Wizz Air, the low cost airline, has operated regular flights to Bulgaria from London since March 2006 and will increase its commitment in the future.

• The property market in Bulgaria is maturing, with improvements in planning and building regulations and in standards of architecture and build quality.
• Parts of the Black Sea coast are in danger of becoming over-developed and as a result, selectivity is required when investing.
• There remain excellent growth prospects in the less developed areas of the Black Sea coast and in the alpine resorts.
  

Black Sea Resorts

• The Black Sea Riviera is over 350km of golden beaches and clear blue water.
• The area has steadily improved in terms of infrastructure and quality of building.
• Premier favours areas to the south of Bourgas such as Crystal Cove - still unspoilt, excellent value property, with good prospects for capital growth and rental increases.

• Prices are less than half the cost per square metre than most Alpine Regions.
• Low cost properties - One bedroom apartments starting from £35,000 (€51,000) approx.
• Good capital appreciation prospects.
• Both winter and summer rental market offering good rental yields for well located properties.
• Price rises driven by increases in building costs (material, wages and land).
• Bansko Ski resort is benefiting from €40 million investment, creating a brand new skiing area. The Financial Times recently described it as “Eastern Europe’s best ski resort”.
• Longer than average ski season (mid Dec to end of May) with excellent snow coverage.
• Excellent climate with good snow coverage and excellent Après ski facilities.
• Newly opened 5 star Kempinski hotel demonstrating the demand for high grade accommodation in the area.
• Opening of an Ian Woosnam designed golf course, equestrian centre, mountain biking and walking trails.
• Proposal to construct a new airport in Bansko under consideration.- Summer and winter holiday resort.
• Highway under construction between Sofia and Kulata, a town close to Bansko on the Greek border. Completion expected 2008 it will cut transfer time from Sofia by 30 minutes.