Dr. Silvia Paskaleva, expert in balneology: Quality of services is essential

Dr. Silvia Paskaleva is General Manager of the Lozenets Sports and Health Complex at the Council of Ministers. She has studied medicine and specialized in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Health Management and holds a Master’s degree in economics. She is also consultant of a number of SPA and wellness centers, some of which include hotels like Murgavetz, Devin, Victoria Palace, Pamporovo, Malina, Olymp, Ambassador, Maxi Green City, Festa Panorama etc. Dr. Paskaleva is the initiator of the Bulgarian Balneology and SPA Tourism Union.

D-r Paskaleva, which are the most important things investors in balneology tourism should know?
- We used to have traditions in balneology tourism and good resorts which, unfortunately, we have faded over time. Our mineral resources are combined to sea or mountain tourism. Another important thing to consider is the scientific potential as well as the existence of qualified professionals.

Is balneology only a medicinal treatment?
- There are two streams. The first is prophylaxis and the so called primary prophylaxis of risky professions. The second stream involves sanatorium treatment of already existing disorders. We have resorts for almost all types of diseases and we need to use them properly.

Do people know the medicinal effects of waters and mud?
- We are poorly informed. Bulgaria boasts over 550 developed and proven springs. What we need to do is give them publicity and popularize them among experts and the general public.

What are the other issues besides misinformation?
- There is one major problem not only in Bulgaria but in Europe on the whole, which involves the lack of standards for balneology. We have outdated standards we still rest upon - like the standard for development of rehabilitation centers. However, we have no standards about SPA and wellness centers.

Are there any universal rules or basic standards?
- There are basic standards for a center to be balneological. We are now working in cooperation with the Bulgarian Institute for Standardization to develop contemporary balneology, wellness and SPA standards which, however, will be grounded upon the existing requirements.

Are there any regions, which are particularly rich in resources?
- The Rila and Rhodope Mountains are quite rich, the region south of Stara Planina and the one of Berkovitsa, as well as the whole seaside, especially the northern parts.

Could balneology tourism equal in value with more traditional tourism segments?
- Yes, it could as we have the resources - the most important component. The first projects are now under way which means we also have the first material foundations. We also boast qualified staff so that the only thing remaining is the standardization of centers. In addition, Bulgaria, in the capacity of a competent EU member, could expect foreign tourists. The question, however, is whether we will be competitive enough as a new destination. Quality of services will be quite essential. If until now we considered the lack of investment and issue, now I see more investors investing wisely their funds but the quality of our services is still quite poor.

Read more:
Balneology in Bulgaria: unused opportunities
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