Olympics boosts sales in Bulgaria

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The country's border operators report growth during the games, although not as great as was predicted earlier in the year

Duty-free turnover in Bulgaria enjoyed a 20% rise in July compared to the same month last year, according to the Bulgarian Duty Free Association. The growth was attributed to the increase in passengers passing through Bulgaria to neighbouring Greece to attend the Olympic Games.

The rise is less than initially expected, as extra traffic was predicted to treble turnover at the duty-free stores. During the final days of the Olympics, for example, passenger levels at border crossing point Kulata did not surpass 2003 figures. The duty-free shops at Kulata are managed by Corecom, Transimpex and Belatour.

Sales for 2004 are projected to hit Eu170m ($209m). In 2003, duty-free sales increase by 41% compared with 2002 to reach Eu131.5m ($162m).