Romania likely to benefit from Bulgaria’s smoking ban

May 30, 2012—Romania hopes to capitalize on Bulgaria’s decision to ban tobacco smoking in all enclosed public places since it may be seen by smokers as an attractive alternative tourist destination, according to a Novinite story quoting media reports.

Smokers will be able to take advantage of Romania’s more relaxed smoking regime in restaurants, cars, hotels and offices after Bulgaria introduces its full ban on June 1.

Currently, both Romania and Bulgaria impose partial smoking bans.

Bulgaria’s resorts expect more one million tourists to come from neighboring Romania this year, according to the Bulgarian association of travel agencies.

But the association warns that this influx will be due partly to the fact that tourists are still not aware of the new rules Bulgaria has imposed.