The trips of Bulgarians abroad during the first quarter of 2010 have been 853 700, the National Statistics Institute data shows.

The data was published Monday and reveals that compared to the same period of 2009, the number of trips is down over 32%. The number of trips abroad is down over 50%, while of those inside the country – down over 30%.

The majority of people, who traveled inside the country or abroad, went on vacation (29%) or to visit friends and relatives (52%).

46% of all travelers, who took personal trips, and 59% of the business travelers are people between 25 and 44 years of age. Only 7% of those above 65 took personal trips.

When traveling locally and abroad during the first quarter of 2010, Bulgarians spent most money on transportation – 31% and 33% respectively followed by food – 30% of all expenditures.

During the first three months of 2010, each person had spent an average of BGN 123 for personal trips inside the country and BGN 702 for trips abroad. The expenses for business trips are BGN 117 and BGN 982 respectively.

Meanwhile, also on Monday, the Deputy Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism, Ivo Marinov, announced that despite the crisis, there are hotels that have stopped accepting reservations for the summer because they are fully booked.

The Ministry forecasts a 5% growth of tourism during the summer of 2010, compared to last year's summer season. Marinov expects a “difficult, but profitable” summer.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!