Newly released data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) reveal that Bulgarian tourists continue to favor domestic travel over international destinations.
According to the survey, conducted for the second quarter of 2024, a substantial 71.3% of Bulgarians who traveled during this period chose destinations exclusively within Bulgaria.
This preference underscores a sustained trend of domestic tourism, which appears to be the dominant choice among local travelers.
The survey also highlights that 22.6% of Bulgarian tourists opted for international travel, while 6.1% split their travel between domestic and foreign destinations.
This data reflects a notable inclination toward exploring and enjoying local attractions and experiences.
When it comes to the organization of these trips, the NSI data reveals that a significant majority, 84.3%, of the travel undertaken by Bulgarians, whether domestic or international, was arranged independently.
This figure indicates a strong trend towards self-organized travel, as opposed to relying on tour operators or travel agents, who were used for only 15.7% of the trips.
The NSI survey, which is representative of the population aged 15 and over, underscores the diverse interests of Bulgarian travelers.
The second quarter of 2024 saw a marked interest in various types of tourism, including cultural, religious, maritime, and spa-related travel.
Among the most popular destinations within Bulgaria are major cities and renowned resorts.
The municipalities of Sofia, Varna, Nessebar, Velingrad, Plovdiv, Burgas, Bansko, Sandanski, Samokov (including the Borovets resort), Veliko Tarnovo, Hissarya, and Razlog were noted as frequent choices for local tourists.
These locations offer a blend of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions that appeal to a broad spectrum of interests.
The continuing dominance of domestic travel aligns with broader trends observed in recent years, where many Bulgarians have shown a preference for exploring their own country’s rich variety of destinations.
This preference is supported by the ease of access, familiarity, and the ability to discover new experiences within their own borders.
Overall, the NSI survey highlights a strong and growing trend towards domestic tourism in Bulgaria.
As travel preferences evolve, the emphasis on exploring local destinations and organizing trips independently appears to be shaping the future of Bulgarian travel patterns.