Shopping in Edirne was always well-liked by Bulgarians, but since Turkey eliminated the visa requirement for Bulgarian people in late July, the number of visitors from the neighbouring country significantly increased. The local economy has been dramatically boosted by this, with the tourist and services sectors being the primary beneficiaries.
The number of visitors from Bulgaria increased by at least 30% after eliminating visas for Bulgarian citizens. According to Recep Zipkinkurt, director of the Edirne Chamber of Industry and Commerce (ETSO), fifty-seven businesses have invested in the city of Edirne during the past year.
According to Zıpkınkurt, Both local and foreign companies are investing in the city. Most of those businesses operate in the furniture, textile, appeal and restaurant sectors, which serve Bulgarian shoppers, Zıpkınkurt said. “More than fifty-seven companies have applied to our chamber in Edirne to get necessary permissions”.
He added, “some investors are planning to buy lands for the construction of Hotels, and many projects are in progress to turn the existing buildings into hotels and restaurants”.
However, Zipkinkurt pointed out that due to the rapid increase of Bulgarian tourists in Edirne, the city prices have increased by about 10%. This price increase was observed at grocery stores and open-air marketplaces.
He noted that investments flow both ways and that businesses from Edirne also conduct business in Bulgaria, mostly being active and investing in the agricultural sector. Along with food wholesalers, some companies offer hygiene and construction supplies to Bulgaria. Some of them established branches up there. Property and office prices are also on the rise in the city.
Entrepreneurs are drawn to Edirne by the bustling business climate in an effort to get profit from the scenario. According to Serhat Eker, president of the association of local real estate advisors, Istanbul-based manufacturing companies are looking for space, but the prices continue to rise.
