"Golf tourism is extremely important for attracting more affluent tourists," says Kuncho Stoychev, an investor in Black Sea Rama golf course near Balchik, which is expected to open in June.
"If an average tourist usually spends about 50-100 euro (750-150 dollars) a day, a golfer might spend 400-500 euros," he adds. And while that has triggered a boom in the construction of low-cost hotels, affluent visitors have gone elsewhere in search of quieter and less crowded resorts.
Bulgaria's mild climate and varied landscape favour its development as a golf destination that could rival countries like Spain. Sites like www.bulgarian-properties-homes.co.uk are offering a wide range of
Bulgarian properties and land for sale to take advantage of this increasing attractions to one of the fastest growing tourist industries in the world.
Traditionally, soccer-mad Bulgaria has had little time for more upmarket sports such as golf or cricket. But three golf courses are now open, with 15 more being built.
"The aim is to turn Bulgaria into a competitive golf destination, attracting richer tourists. Golf tourism is one of the most profitable forms of tourism worldwide," a recent strategy paper stated.
More than five million foreigners visited Bulgaria in 2007, with tourism generating nearly 16 per cent of the country's gross domestic product, according to official data. See www.bulgarian-properties-homes.co.uk for more information.
