The number of tourists coming to Bulgaria from the European Union is down by 5,2% for the first five months of 2009. Photo by BGNES
Bulgaria's tourism sector has registered a 7,6% reduction from the beginning of 2009 until May, the Chair of the State Tourism Agency, Anelya Krushkova, reported.
Krushkova said she believed the decrease would be made up in July and August.
The number of tourists from the European Union is down by 5,2% for the first five months of 2009, but Romanian tourists are up by 20% and those from Hungary are up 35%.
The traditional for Bulgaria markets such as the UK and Germany are down by 20%.
Russian tourists have been issued 13% more visas in July and 19% more in August compared to the same months of 2008.
The revenue from tourism until May amount to EUR 556,3 M.
On the other hand side, Bulgarians have also reduced their vacation trips abroad - 14% down in the first five months of 2009. Most Bulgarians (32%) visit Greece and Turkey (23,3%).