by Jain Goodall of Quest Bulgaria

Many who are looking to buy property in Bulgaria wonder how they can move there permanently and still make a living... one of the things which most often springs to mind is something in the tourism sector, such as a small bed and breakfast in the countryside.

Until now the higher-spending independent travellers who would use small b and b's in Bulgaria have been just a dream. This vision can now become reality with the arrival of flights direct from London to Bulgaria at just 70 pounds return, allowing that long dreamt-of tourism venture of so many property buyers to come to life.

For a venture into tourism, the Black Sea may seem an obvious choice as it accounts for over 75% of all tourism revenue. However, a lot of people buying in Bulgaria these days don't want to pay the prices on the coast and feel it is becoming over-developed. They want peace and calm in the rural countryside and are also seeking a better quality of life for themselves.

Whilst many tourists are content with just a sunny beach and a cold beer, more and more are looking for a different experience where they can get more from their holiday, a more authentic and personal experience. Many of the significant trends in worldwide tourism point to the high potential of `sustainable' or `alternative' tourism. Anyone who has spent time in Bulgaria will be aware that the country has enormous fantastic natural resources with mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, stunning views... and an incredibly rich history full of traditions - making Bulgaria a perfect recipe for sustainable tourism.

There are many delights to reap from sustainable tourism. Apart from the obvious quality of life, compared with the mass tourist market, the characteristics of this kind of tourism lessens their impact on the area, at the same time providing financial benefits within the community by employing local people and buying local produce, goods and services. So, you know that you're minimising ecological damage and at the same time generating income and employment.

The trend towards this kind of tourism is clear in Bulgaria. Already the number of tourists visiting the Thracian King's Valley has more than doubled, tour operators have started offering alternatives to Sunny Beach and spa centres have started selling their holidays to the overseas market. With the arrival of these new cheap flights, increased numbers of independent tourists will start arriving and exploring further afield, thus the often overlooked rural areas of Bulgaria and the properties there will become more valuable.

Properties in Bulgaria suitable for sustainable tourism projects can currently be found from as little as 10,000 Euros up to as much as you would want to spend. From running horse-riding holidays to opening a spa centre, through to renting out self-catering villas or operating a small hotel... the possibilities in Bulgaria are abundant.

Sustainable tourism can be an extremely rewarding lifestyle in Bulgaria - not much else can offer the combined elements of quality of life, living in a dreamt-of location and doing something you enjoy which also pays the bills!

Article by Jain Goodall
Quest Bulgaria
www.questbulgaria.com
email: info@questbg.com