More than 600 000 tourists have visited Bulgaria's hotspot mountain resort of Bansko since the start of the winter season, the mayor said.

Britons and Russians account for the bigger part of the tourist flow into the resort, which welcomed for the first time holidaymakers from Greece coming mostly for the weekend, Bansko mayor Alexander Kravarov told Darik radio.

According to him Bansko's skiing conditions in 2008 were better than those during the previous year.

"We are very pride that Bansko became the arena of the Europa Cup downhill ski race for men," Kravarov said.

According to him the flawless organization of the prestigious contest makes the resort's bid for hosting the world competition a sure success.

(bulgarianhomeloans.com)