“The life and health of people cannot depend on chance. Bulgaria will have clear rules and control for every attraction – on land, in the air, and on water.” This was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications, Grozdan Karadjov, at a briefing today at the Council of Ministers. The Government today approved the Draft Act on the General Safety Requirements for the Provision of Attraction Services.
“A series of incidents have revealed the absence of a unified legal framework and effective control over activities related to attraction facilities. The new regulatory framework will guarantee the safety of citizens and create predictable conditions for business,” Minister Karadjov added. “Attractions are not merely a form of entertainment – they are an activity with potential risks. The State is obliged to ensure minimum safety standards and fair protection for consumers,” he emphasised.
The draft law provides for the registration of all attraction service providers in a public register maintained by the Ministry of Tourism, mandatory accident insurance for each user, daily inspections and visible safety rules, a designated safety officer and a safety plan for every attraction, mandatory accompaniment for children under 14 years of age, and oversight by accredited bodies, including the Civil Aviation Administration, the Executive Agency “Maritime Administration”, municipalities, the Consumer Protection Commission, and other competent authorities.
The bill also proposes amendments to four legislative acts – the Insurance Code, the Merchant Shipping Code, the Civil Aviation Act, and the Road Transport Act – with the aim of creating a unified system of control and safety.
The draft has undergone public consultation and received broad support from experts, municipalities, and industry organisations. It also incorporates proposals submitted by citizens and stakeholders. “This is a law of responsibility – towards children, tourists, and society as a whole. Everyone offering attraction services will have to prove that they can guarantee their safety. And every citizen will have the right to know that they are protected,” said Minister Karadjov
Following its approval by the Council of Ministers, the bill will be submitted to the National Assembly. After its adoption by Parliament, a six-month transitional period is planned for operators to bring their activities into compliance with the new requirements.