The number of arrivals of visitors from abroad to Bulgaria decreased by 14.1% in January 2012 as compared to December, reaching 337 100, according to the country's National Statistical Institute.

An increase was registered in the visits with holiday and recreation purposes, as well as those with business purposes - by 12.2% and 3.8% respectively, while the visits with other purposes decreased by 16.0%, the Institute says.

In January 2012, the arrivals of visitors from EU Member States in Bulgaria decreased by 27.5% in comparison with the previous month. However a growth was registered in the visits from the United Kingdom - by 67.4%, Italy - 22.1%, Greece - 13.4% and Germany - 9.4%.

A significant decrease was observed in the Romanian visits - by 76.4%.

The visits of foreigners from other European countries increased by 3.9%, with the highest growth observed in Macedonians - by 25.1%, and Russians - by 18.0%.

In January 2012 the visitors with holiday and recreation purpose composed the greatest relative share of the total number of foreigners who visited Bulgaria - 49.0%, followed by the arrivals with other purposes (including guests and passengers that only passed through the country) - 32.0% and business trips - 19.0%.

In January 2012, the number of the trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 252 800 or by 2.4% less compared to December 2011.

An increase in the total number of the trips Bulgarian residents was registered to the United Kingdom - by 15.0%, Spain - by 13.1%, Austria - by 10.5%, Italy - by 9.4%, Germany - by 8.1%, Romania - by 8.1% and others.

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