New open-air mall planned for Bulgaria

Investors who rent out their property in Bulgaria to tourists may welcome plans to begin construction on the country's first open-air mall.

According to Sofia Echo, the proposals were reported by website investor.bg, with building on the new 30 million euro shopping centre to begin in March 2009.

The Strand mall - which is to be built by developer ZBS - will be situated near the highway to Sofia, with retail areas totalling 30,000 square metres and a car park of similar size.

At least 50 international retail chains are reported to be interested in setting up in The Strand, which is expected to draw in shoppers and boost tourism and visitor numbers in the area.

Investors looking to make returns by renting out their property might favour the country's southern Black Sea coast, with Quest Bulgaria magazine reporting that the area's high student population and well-developed infrastructure make it "a haven for rentals".