In October 2016, 20% of all foreign tourists to Bulgaria came from Macedonia, showed data of the National Statistical Institute.

A total of 242,500 foreigners visited Bulgaria for entertainment and holidays during the month. The data shows also that the number of foreign tourists was the highest in the last 10 years. The increase, compared to last year, is 18.7% and interest was most intense on the part of tourists from neighbouring countries.

The highest number of tourists was registered on the part of Macedonians – nearly 50,000. At the same time, the comparison shows that the increase on this market is lowest among neighbouring countries – a mere 4.8%.

Greek tourists were 21,000 – growth of 31%, compared to a year earlier. The most significant increase was registered for Romanian tourists – a double-fold increase to 18,800 tourists. Visits from Turkey numbered 30,800m, or 22% more, compared to 2015.

In terms of countries that do not share a common border with Bulgaria, the highest number of tourists was registered from Germany – 17,600, an increase of 64%, compared to 2015. Israeli tourists were over 10,000, or 26% more. The interest of Russians was traditionally low off-season – a mere 6,000 people.