site.btaParliamentary Committee on Tourism Adopts at First Reading 2026 State Budget Bill

The National Assembly's Tourism Committee adopted the 2026 State Budget Bill at first reading on Wednesday. The document was presented by Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh and was adopted with 11 votes in favour, 5 against and no abstentions.

Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) MP Lyudmila Ilieva stated that the parliamentary group does not endorse the proposed 2026 budget, particularly with regard to tourism. She pointed out that the draft budget provides for a significant reduction in funds for the sector compared to the previous year as an argument against it. She also noted that the budget proposes doubling the dividend tax, which she said would negatively impact the tourism industry. 

CC-DB MP Bogomil Petkov said that he would vote against the proposed budget. He cited the fact that, despite inflation and growing tourist activity, the tourism budget has remained virtually unchanged over the past three years, with no increase.

Borshosh emphasized the labour shortage, noting that the problem would not be solved without additional measures and stressing that the Ministry had done what was necessary within its scope. He announced that, in October, the Ministry had sent a request to all organizations and hotels regarding their staffing needs for the following year. The results show a shortage of between 8,000 and 10,000 workers in the tourism sector.

The Minister added that the upcoming season is expected to be good, albeit with some reservations, given that the main markets are currently experiencing an unfavourable economic climate. Therefore, he said, it is necessary to further strengthen the marketing strategy. According to him, 2026 will be a difficult year for tourism, not just due to what he perceives as unpreparedness but because the country depends on different markets. He also pointed out that domestic tourism is one of the strongest factors already yielding results and showing exceptionally good growth.