Bulgaria faces a significant challenge with one of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in Europe and widespread vaccine scepticism, particularly among the elderly and conservative population. Despite the availability of vaccines at centers and the introduction of 'green corridors' for all age groups, many Bulgarians, including healthcare professionals, remain unconvinced of the vaccine's benefits. The government's lack of a strong pro-vaccination message and logistical issues in vaccine distribution have contributed to the slow vaccination rate. Analyst Tihomir Bezlov and general practitioner Maria Vlahova highlight the difficulties in convincing the public to get vaccinated. The slow pace of vaccination is likely to impact Bulgaria's 2021 tourist season negatively. The health minister announced a new plan to restrict green corridors to those over 60 and limit them to weekends.

Euronews highlights the thermal springs and mud therapy in Bulgaria's Varna region along the Black Sea coast, noting its popularity as a holiday destination with resorts, beaches, and natural hot springs. St Constantine and Helena, the oldest Black Sea resort, offers traditional mud therapy. Bulgaria is renowned for its thermal and mineral waters, second only to Iceland in Europe. The region has seen the development of new hotels with spa treatments, such as the Albena Resort, and maintains a sustainable approach to tourism.

Veliko Tarnovo, the former medieval Bulgarian capital, is perched on cliffs above the Yantra River and is known as the 'City of the Tsars'. It is a treasure trove of fortification walls, watchtowers, and dungeons, symbolizing Bulgarian pride and attracting thousands of tourists annually. The city, which was home to kings and patriarchs from the 12th century and once aspired to be 'the third Rome', is rich in history with diverse architectural influences and significant cultural impact on the Balkans and the Orthodox Slavic world. Despite its glorious past, Sofia was chosen as the capital of modern Bulgaria after the country's liberation in 1878.

The Vitocha natural park, located just a few kilometers from the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, offers an escape from urban life and a chance to reconnect with nature. Covering 27,000 hectares and founded in 1934, Vitocha is the oldest protected park in the Balkans. Its peak, Černi vrǎh, rises over 2,000 meters above sea level, overlooking Sofia. The park is part of the E4, the largest European hiking trail, and in winter, it becomes an ideal spot for winter sports enthusiasts. Julia Mihaylova, a member of the park's management, values the mountain's proximity to the capital as a significant treasure for nature lovers and residents of Sofia.

The article discusses the ongoing protests in Hong Kong, questioning the sincerity and authenticity of the demonstrations. It suggests that the protests may be influenced by external interests, including a university professor encouraging participation due to a British grant program. The text argues that Hong Kong's democratic traditions, dating back to British administration, will not be easily suppressed and implies that Beijing will eventually have to yield. It also touches on the broader geopolitical context, hinting at China's economic strategies, such as moving away from the US dollar and adopting Yuan-Euro trade settlements, which could be a reason for the West's response with a 'new soft revolution'.