Promoting Bulgaria 19/03/2008
There are many ways - some traditional, some alternative - to promote Bulgaria as a tourist destination, with various original undertakings being demonstrated since the beginning of the month. The first to embark on a different approach was the national flag carrier Bulgaria Air, which on March 1 launched a series of initiatives to present Bulgaria to the world. The company management and Transport Minister Petar Mutafchiev announced the start of a project entitled The Spirit of Bulgaria on Board Bulgaria Air. On March 1, the Bulgaria Air planes were decorated with “martenitsi” - red and white tassels believed to bring health and good luck - that Bulgarians traditionally exchange on the date. All passengers were acquainted with the tradition and each given a martenitsa. However,... more

Plovdiv Residents Spending More On Remodelling 21/06/2008
An increase of eight to 10 per cent in loan applications for remodelling and furnishing has been registered in Plovdiv, the local office of real estate consultants Europolis said in a statement. Europolis' conclusion is drawn from the data provided by the Plovdiv branches of major banks. The average amount for the renovation of a two-bedroom apartment is between eight thousand and 12 000 euro, a three-bedroom home will take up to 18 000 euro, while to satisfy their taste for luxury, some clients may request up to 30 000 euro. Europolis’ analysis of the property market also infers that the purchase and renovation of a home in an existing building comes cheaper that having to buy from a newly-built development. The average price for an apartment in a monolithic construction situated... more

Construction Boom In Apartments Continues 11/03/2008
A total of 4878 new construction permits were issued throughout Bulgaria in September 2007, 3110 of them for residential buildings, according to data from the National Statistical Institute. The construction boom in the residential sector continues to lag slightly behind demand for these properties, according to Monitor, the Bulgarian-language daily newspaper. Bourgas again 'defeated' Varna during the third quarter of the year, winning first place.  The city issued 635 permits, 534 of which were for residential buildings. Varna ranks second with 568 permits, including 442 for residential units. Plovdiv is third (498 permits) and Sofia comes fourth for new construction (406). Vidin came last with only four new residential buildings and six homes. Unlike Bulgaria,... more