Bulgaria expects to see an approximately 20% increase in Russian tourists this year, according to the country's Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism, Delyan Dobrev.

Dobrev pointed out that Russian tourists with Schengen visas can now visit Bulgaria, which would boost the Bulgarian tourism sector.

"We expect a significant growth, especially on the Russian market," the Minister said.

Tourism is likely the sole economic sector in Bulgaria that is growing in times of crisis, Dobrev observed.

"Over the past several years, we have seen growths between 5% and 8%. I hope we would have a similar growth this year," Dobrev declared in the city of Veliko Tranovo, when the international Cultural Tourism fair is taking place.

On Saturday, the Economy Minister also stated that Bulgaria will back the South Gas Corridor project. He explained that the project would bring about both higher energy safety and diversification.

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