Bulgaria’s Winter Tourism Season Booms with 1.8 Million Visitors

Bulgaria’s winter tourism season has seen an impressive surge in visitor numbers, with a total of 1.8 million tourists flocking to its stunning landscapes from December 1 to March 25. 

The data, released by the Ministry of Tourism, unveils a remarkable trend of increasing tourism, painting a picture of Bulgaria as an emerging winter wonderland for travelers from diverse backgrounds.

Among the leading contributors to this surge, Turkish tourists stand out with a substantial 29.1% rise compared to the previous year, showcasing a growing interest in Bulgaria’s winter offerings. 

Following closely behind are Italian visitors, demonstrating an impressive 18.7% increase, while guests from Serbia and Germany also showed significant growth rates of 10.7% and 9.7%, respectively.

However, amidst the overall growth, certain markets experienced declines in visitor numbers. Notably, guests from Romania and Greece decreased, with the sharpest decline recorded among Israeli tourists, plummeting by a staggering 62.6%.

In terms of preferred destinations, Sofia emerges as the top choice among tourists, closely trailed by Bansko, Velingrad, Samokov, Smolyan, Chepelare, and Varna. 

These municipalities, along with Stolichna, Plovdiv, Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse, and Stara Zagora, collectively attracted nearly 35% of all guests, particularly those inclined towards urban tourism. 

Ski tourism retained a significant share of 19%, reflecting the popularity of Bulgaria’s snow-covered slopes, while spa trips also accounted for an equal portion of the winter tourism market.

Bulgaria continues to establish itself as a coveted winter destination, and the surge in tourist arrivals underscores the country’s diverse appeal and growing reputation as a premier destination for winter leisure and recreation. 

With its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, and array of winter activities, Bulgaria offers something for every traveler, solidifying its position as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map.

As the winter tourism season draws to a close, Bulgaria’s success in attracting a record number of visitors sets a promising precedent for the country’s tourism industry. 

With ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism practices, and expand marketing initiatives, Bulgaria is poised to further solidify its status as a year-round destination for travelers seeking memorable experiences amidst breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality.

This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members