Balkans mythbusting

Clients doubtful about the Balkan region? Balkan Holidays’ Chris Rand gives you the tools to sell Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Montenegro Myth: I’ve heard pickpocketing and petty crime is a problem Chris says: In Croatia this is not a problem at all. In Bulgaria, because many resorts tend to be busy in the high season, there have been occasional incidents of pickpocketing. However, there is now an increased number of police in the resorts to help stamp out this problem, and this has proved effective. Myth: It can’t compare with the likes of France for a skiing holiday Chris: Some French ski resorts might have larger ski areas than Bulgaria, but skiers pay a lot more for their lift passes! Bulgaria has three main ski resorts: Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo. They are perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers. Plus, the apres-ski is without doubt the cheapest in Europe. Myth: I want a five-star hotel. They don’t have any upmarket hotels there Chris: The Balkans has plenty of five-star hotels. In Bulgaria there is the Kempinski Grand Arena in Bansko (right), the Melia Grand Hermitage in Golden Sands and the Barcelo Royal Beach in Sunny Beach. These are genuine five-star hotels managed by international hotel chains. Croatia also boasts some five-star properties. In Dubrovnik, there is the Hotel Excelsior, the Dubrovnik Palace and the fabulous Libertas Rixos. Myth: Only no-frills carriers fly to the Balkans – but I refuse to use them Chris: There are numerous charter flights to Bulgaria and Croatia. Balkan Holidays flies from 18 UK airports to Bulgaria and from five to Croatia, plus there are other charters, national carriers and British Airways. Myth: ‘The Black Sea’? Sounds like the beaches will be awful Chris: The Black Sea was named by widows in mourning for their sailor husbands – I admit it is not the most inviting name! Beaches in Bulgaria are sandy and tend to be very long so there is plenty of room, and all have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for cleanliness. The beaches in Croatia have pebbles, and the Adriatic is crystal-clear. Myth: It might be OK for a beach holiday but I want culture and art Chris: Most of our clients do visit Bulgaria for a beach holiday, but if you want culture you only have to leave the boundaries of the resort to find the real Bulgaria. There are art galleries and museums in all the major cities across Bulgaria, containing artefacts dating back centuries. Croatia is also rich in culture. Myth: I like good food, but the Balkans is not famous for its cuisine Chris: The food in the restaurants is excellent. Delicious fresh fish is always available, plus you can try authentic dishes such as chopska salads and moussaka. Food in hotels has really improved in recent years. Myth: There was fighting in Serbia and there’s been the trouble in nearby Georgia. It might be unsafe Chris: If it wasn’t safe, we, and other operators, would not send customers there. The Yugoslav civil war ended in 1995, and the Serbian ski resort of Kopaonik is safe and fully operational. Myth: Bulgaria is in eastern Europe, so the weather must be cold and grey Chris: Bulgaria borders Greece and Turkey to the south so it is warm and sunny during the summer, reaching temperatures of about 35C in July–anything but cold and grey. Myth: Bulgaria is now in the EU, so it must have the euro as its currency Chris: Yes, Bulgaria is in the EU, but it does not have the euro as its currency. Consequently, the cost of living there is still great value, and it seems Bulgaria won’t qualify for the euro for a few years so that’s great news for British holidaymakers!