Balkan Tours and Travels

Archive for September, 2007

Bulgaria has both a vast and diverse landscape ranging from snow-capped peaks in the south to the Balkan Mountains in the centre and the coast of the Black Sea. Bulgaria truly offers something for everyone, with great value skiing resorts during the winter and fabulous beach resorts during the summer. We have put together a range of activities to keep you occupied in Bulgaria from January through to December.

January is generally the start of skiing season in Bulgaria at the popular resorts such as Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo.

Visit the ruins of the Roman Thermal baths, Rimski Termi in February, considered to be the most important ancient discovery in Bulgaria. Ruins of many of the high walls, changing rooms, bathrooms and game halls still exist.

The Petrified Forest, also known as Pobiti Kamani is a must see World Heritage Site in March. Located between Varna and Sofia, these natural rock formations within a desert like setting, have very specific flora and fauna for all to appreciate.

Orthodox Easter occurs in April, usually celebrated on different dates to that of Easter in the west and with different culture and traditions observed.

With three National Parks to choose from in Bulgaria, May is the perfect time to explore Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan. You may even be able to spot a brown bear, wolf or red deer if you’re lucky!

Visit one of Bulgaria’s 600 natural mineral springs in June. Bulgaria is well known for offering natural and therapeutic treatments with spas and baths located in many towns and cities across the country.

Chernata Skala or Black Rock is not to be missed in July. A mixture of rocks, oak woods, shrubs and pastures make this a picturesque getaway.

During the summer holidays in August, Nessebar is a bustling seaside resort. The combination of coastal charm and well preserved ruins ensure everyone will be kept amused here.

Follow one of the many trails through the Balkan Mountains in September, either try car hire in Bulgaria or there are many routes suitable for horse riders.

Assenova krepost is a must see in October. The medieval fortress is deep in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains and offers breath-taking views.

Drive around historic Plovdiv with car hire Bulgaria in November. Bursting with character, there are various 19th century houses, Roman ruins and a Roman amphitheatre which is still in use.

December in Bulgaria is a real treat, visit one of the Christmas markets in Sofia or observe one of the many Bulgarian Christmas traditions.

There is such a vast array of activities and sites to see all year round, no matter what month it is, consider Bulgaria for your next break away!

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The global tourism industry is booming presently. Number of domestic as well as international arrivals has more than tripled. The tourism industry accounts for more than $1000 billion and is expected to grow by 200% in next five years.

Tourism also in a major way contributes to the economy indirectly through its association with other sectors such as horticulture, agriculture, poultry, handicrafts and construction.

Career in Travel & Tourism

Travel and tourism is United States’ 2nd largest service export industry, 3rd largest trade industry and one of the largest employment providers. There are various courses available that can help you become a part of this sector.

If you love to interact with people, travel to various places and be a part of the service industry, then a career in tourism is ideal for you. You can choose to become a travel agent, guide, tourism manager, tour operator, adventure travel guide, airline service staff and so on.

You can either join a diploma or a certificate course in tourism and travel. You can choose a Travel Agent Certificate program, Tour operator Certificate course, Airline Certificate course, Cruise Line Certification course, Hospitality courses, Tourism Management and so on.

What you get to learn?

One needs to have a good business sense to be in the travel industry. A course in tourism will teach you all aspects of becoming an effective travel professional. Some of the topics covered are:
National and International Air travel Cruise Lines Railway Reservations and travel Lodging & Accommodations Tour packages Fare and reservation structures About various Destinations Quality Management Project Supervision Basics of Tourism Management Organizational Behavior Marketing Strategies

Various jobs opportunities are available within the public and private sectors. In the public sector, you can be employed with tourism department or directorates. A lot of interesting opportunities can be found with the private sector like Airlines, Tours Operators, Travel Agencies, Hotels and so on.

Job Profiles for Various Sectors

Tourism Department
In the tourism department, employment can be found in reservations, counter staff, marketing and sales, tour planners and tour guides. One can also be with the directorates and department of tourism. You get to be involved with the planning and promotion of tourism activities.

Airlines
Airlines provide a glamorous and rewarding job option. You can find employment as Traffic Assistant, Reservation Staff, Bookings Manager, Air hostesses & Stewarts, Sales and Marketing personnel etc.

Travel Agencies
Travel Agencies use agents to promote tour packages. They make arrangements of travel, accommodations, currency conversions, budgets, special needs, tourist attractions and planning. Tour operators organize tours to the various tourist spots and manage the travel and stay of the tourists.

Hotel Industry
One can find ample opportunities within the hotel industry in various departments. You can be a part of Operations, Front-office, House-keeping, Accounting, Maintenance, Public Relations and many more interesting departments.

Transport
Besides Airlines, travels include rail services, coach operators and car hire companies. Transport includes air, road, railways and sea. Job profile for people employed with rail and road transport includes planning, chalking out the tour program, calculating costs, arranging accommodation and other facilities like food and entertainment.

Personality Traits required to be a part of Tourism Sector

People who are a part of the tourism industry interact with people on a daily basis. There are certain personality traits required to efficiently handle the various responsibilities and tasks in the travel and tourism sector.
Good Inter-personal skills Effective communication High level of patience Hardworking & Responsible Good Marketing Skills Creative Abilities Ability to handle Emergencies Organizational skills
Job Outlook for Travel & Tourism Industry

Experience, Marketing Skills, Communication skills and the Size and Location of the organization determine the salary of a travel agent/professional.

Full-time employee positions at travel companies are well-paid. Job prospects both in public and private sectors are excellent.

However, the most rewarding jobs for qualified tourism professionals are in the private sector with travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, railways, hotels, transport and cargo companies etc.

Jobs in the travel & tourism industry offer good remuneration and benefits, which include free travel for employees and their families. Salaries can vary depending on the industry and are higher in foreign airlines and agencies.

If you like traveling and have the ability to mingle well with people, tourism industry can take you places!

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