A regulatory mechanism must be created to control the indiscriminate construction in resort
towns, State Tourism Agency chairwoman Anelia Kroushkova told reporters on Tuesday after presenting to the Simeon II National Movement a strategy on the development of Bulgaria's tourist industry in 2008-13 .

Kroushkova explained that there is as yet no law stipulating what constitutes a resort and how to control construction therein. This is a major problem which not only destroys the environment, but also competition, she said.

Kroushkova explained that her agency does not have the jurisdiction to curtail construction, but the Regional Development Ministry does.

The categorization of hotels is another problem, with many hotels keeping outdated high-star ratings even after the quality of their service has fallen below the requirement. She suggests that regular inspections - every three years, for example - be introduced to tackle this problem.

The main priorities in the tourism strategy are cultural and spa tourism, as well as congress and events tourism, and hunting. The strategy is still in the pipeline, said Kroushkova. She called on all parliamentary groups to go ahead with such legislative changes as would be conducive to improving the prospects for tourism in Bulgaria.