HOLIDAYMAKERS from South Wales will soon be able to fly to Bulgaria this winter, thanks to a brand new charter service with Balkan Holidays from Cardiff International Airport.

Ski specialist tour operator, Balkan Holidays, is launching the service from December 5 to April 6. Using an Airbus 320, 180 passengers will be able to fly to Plovdiv. Balkan Holidays are offering Welsh travellers the option of three different resorts including Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets.

Cardiff International Airport sales and marketing manager Vincent Rey said: "This new destination from Cardiff is great news for skiers as it provides them with an even greater choice of ski resorts directly from their local airport and ideally complements the existing ski programmes to France and Austria.

"There are a number of free child places on offer for children up to the age of 12. "I am delighted with this announcement which strengthens the Balkan holiday presence at Cardiff and we wish them well with their winter ski programme.

"The three resorts are tailormade for skiing and snowboarding and offer a vast range of good quality hotels as well as bars, restaurants and good entertainment. "Pamporovo is the sunniest mountain resort in Europe and boasts an average of 270 sunny days a year.

"It has some fantastic ski runs for beginners and boasts some of the best ski instructors in the country.

"Bansko, on the other hand, is especially good for intermediates, is set in a more traditional Bulgarian resort and is considered the best new ski resort in Eastern Europe.

"Borovets is the liveliest resort, is the best resort for apres-ski and is great for all-round skiers."

Quality accommodation at reasonable prices, including chalets, hotels and self-catering apartments, is available to suit families, groups and couples with a seven-night holiday starting from just £214 per person. For information and reservations, please call 0845 130 1114 or alternatively visit www.balkanholidays. co.uk