site.btaTourism Act Amendment Levels Playing Field for Local and Foreign Service Providers

On Thursday, Parliament approved at first and second reading in a single session a bill amending the Tourism Act, implementing a recommendation from the Investment Committee of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) regarding the non-discrimination of tourist service providers in Bulgaria.

The provisions aim to align the law with OECD Liberalization Codes and equalize requirements for foreign tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, restaurateurs, ski schools, mountain guides, and certified providers of balneological, spa, wellness, and thalassotherapy services from OECD countries outside the EU. The goal is to ensure they are treated on the same terms as Bulgarian tourism service providers, preventing unequal treatment.

The amendment also broadens eligibility to operate as a tour operator or travel agent in Bulgaria, allowing individuals from OECD countries outside the EU, EEA, and Swiss Confederation to enter the market under the same requirements applied to Bulgarian operators.