A recent survey conducted by digital payments company Visa reveals that a majority of Bulgarians planning winter holidays prefer to use digital payment methods at ski resorts.
The study, which surveyed 1,028 Bulgarians aged 18 to 60, found that two-thirds of respondents intend to spend their winter vacations in the mountains. Among them, 63% favor cashless transactions, using cards, smartphones, or smartwatches.
The survey also highlights a strong preference for domestic tourism, with 92% of respondents planning their winter holidays within Bulgaria. Those considering international travel primarily favor ski destinations in Italy and Austria.
Convenience and security remain key factors influencing vacation choices, reflecting a growing trend toward digitalization in travel-related payments.
Impact of Digital Payment Availability on Consumer Behavior
Visa’s findings suggest that the availability of digital payment options significantly affects consumer satisfaction and loyalty. Around 15% of respondents indicated that they would not return to a resort lacking digital payment facilities.
Additionally, 14% said they would reduce their spending, and 11% might opt for a competing resort with better digital payment infrastructure.
More than 60% of Bulgarians prefer to leave their wallets behind and rely exclusively on mobile devices or smartwatches for payments.
The study also identified the most common transactions made using digital payments at ski resorts. These include hotel check-ins (31%), dining at restaurants and bars (25%), and shopping (15%). However, dissatisfaction remains regarding limited digital payment options.
Nearly 38% of respondents reported difficulties paying for parking via card, 25% cited issues in retail stores, and 24% faced challenges at restaurants and bars. Only 14% of participants experienced problems when paying for ski services digitally.
Krasimira Raicheva, Executive Director of Visa Bulgaria, emphasized the importance of businesses adapting to changing consumer behaviors.
“Ski resorts and hospitality providers that do not offer digital payment solutions risk losing customers in an increasingly competitive market,” Raicheva stated.
She also noted that Bulgarians are combining winter sports with other leisure activities such as sightseeing, spa treatments, and sampling local cuisine, further driving the demand for seamless digital transactions.
Spending Trends and International Tourism
In terms of spending, 80% of Bulgarians plan to allocate up to 1,000 leva per day per person for their winter holidays. Additionally, 28% expect to take at least two mountain vacations this season, with most trips lasting between two and three days.
Beyond domestic tourism, Bulgaria’s ski resorts are expected to welcome a significant number of foreign visitors, particularly from Romania and Poland.
Among Bulgarians traveling abroad, 4% are planning trips to Italy, while 3% aim to visit Austria. Romanian and Slovak tourists are also showing interest in Bulgaria’s winter resorts, contributing to the country’s seasonal tourism boom.
As digital payment methods continue to gain traction, ski resorts that adapt to these consumer preferences will likely see greater customer retention and higher spending.
The trend underscores a broader shift toward cashless transactions, reshaping Bulgaria’s winter tourism landscape for the years ahead.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members