Six Russian Tourists Die as Submarine Sinks Near Egypt’s Hurghada
Six Russian tourists lost their lives on Thursday when a submarine carrying passengers on an underwater excursion near Hurghada, Egypt, sank
World | March 28, 2025, Friday // 08:35
Bulgaria: 5% Increase In Tourists Since The Beginning Of The Winter Season
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
Wikimedia Commons
For the first two months of the winter season, the tourism sector in Bulgaria reports a growth of over 5% compared to the same period last year. There is a significant increase in visits from Italy, while tourists from Israel are about 70% fewer. Bulgarian tourists have increased by 8% during the same period. The most popular ski destination is the municipality of Bansko with a total of 86,772 registrations, according to information from the Ministry of Tourism provided in response to an inquiry from the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).
According to the latest data from the Unified Tourism Information System (UTIS) for the period from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, the total number of tourist registrations in Bulgaria is 937,527. This figure has increased by just over 5% compared to the period from December 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023, according to information provided by the Ministry of Tourism.
The primary markets in the current winter season are the following: Bulgaria leads with 683,477 registrations, Greece (33,281), Romania with (30,619), Turkey (31,955), the Republic of North Macedonia (20,842), the UK (19,008), and Italy with 17,118 registrations.
During the period from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, the number of Bulgarian tourists increased by 8%, tourists from the Republic of North Macedonia increased by over 15%, and British tourists increased by 6%. The highest growth was observed among Italian tourists, with an increase of over 30%. The situation is most challenging in Israel, with registrations of Israeli tourists at 7191, representing a decrease of 69% compared to the same period in the previous winter season.
From December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, the total number of tourist registrations in the municipalities with developed ski tourism - Bansko, Samokov, Smolyan, and Chepelare, reaches 187,201. Bansko is the most popular ski destination with 86,772 registrations. In Samokov, the number of registered tourists is 55,518, which is an increase of 16.2% compared to the previous winter season, while in Smolyan and Chepelare, there are 44,911 registrations, showing a growth of 10.2%.
Related Articles:
Bulgarian Parliament Approves 8.6% Pension Increase Starting July 1
The Bulgarian National Assembly has approved an 8.6% increase in pensions starting July 1
Society | March 19, 2025, Wednesday // 15:35
Heavy Snowfall Affects Petrohan, Shipka, and Rhodope Passes
Winter has returned to Northern Bulgaria, bringing snowfall and a sudden drop in temperatures
200,000 Workers Needed for Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast as Labor Crisis Deepens
The Black Sea region in Bulgaria is facing a serious labor shortage ahead of the summer season
Increase in Israeli Tourists Expected in Bulgaria After Gaza Ceasefire
Israeli Ambassador to Bulgaria Yossi Levi-Sfari expects an increase in Israeli tourists to Bulgaria following the recent Gaza ceasefire
Winter Weather Alert: Bulgarian Authorities Urge Drivers to Prepare for Snowy Roads
The Road Infrastructure Agency has urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are properly prepared for winter conditions in the coming days, as meteorologists forecast rain and snow in Northwestern Bulgaria and the Fore-Balkans
Rising Prices Hit Seaside Restaurants in Bulgaria This Summer
Prices in seaside restaurants across Bulgaria are rising this year, with a noticeable hike in some popular beachside dishes
Bulgaria to Install Anti-Drone Systems at Airports in Coming Months
In the coming months, anti-drone systems will be deployed at Bulgarian airports
Camping in Europe 2025: Prices, Top Destinations, and Bulgaria’s Best Spot
In 2025, camping prices across Europe have seen notable increases, with the average cost of an overnight stay for two people – including a pitch, caravan, electricity, and local tax – ranging from €14.18 to €40.40.
Last Summer in Levs? Bulgaria’s Seaside Vacation Costs and the Eurozone Transition
This may be the last seaside summer for Bulgarians in levs.
Coastal Resorts in Bulgaria Offer Up to 6,000 Leva for Student Labor This Summer
Bulgarian businesses are actively recruiting students to fill seasonal positions for the upcoming summer, offering earnings ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 leva
Leading British Tour Operator Cancels All Holidays in Bulgaria
Balkan Holidays UK, a major British tour operator specializing in holidays to Bulgaria, has halted all its operations effective April 24, 2025
