Bulgaria’s tourism industry is poised to celebrate a historic achievement in 2024, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism. The country welcomed 10.7 million foreign visitors between January and September, surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by an impressive 200,000 tourists. With projections of reaching 13 million visitors by year-end, tourism revenue is expected to soar to 14 billion leva, setting a new benchmark for the sector’s success. This remarkable growth is attributed to a range of strategic initiatives, including Bulgaria’s accession to the air Schengen area, which has driven a 7% increase in European tourist arrivals and a notable 28% rise in Bulgarian citizens traveling abroad.
Looking ahead, Bulgaria’s full entry into the land Schengen zone on January 1, 2025, is anticipated to boost annual tourism revenue by an additional 300 million leva. Full Schengen membership is expected to unlock significant opportunities, particularly in attracting visitors from Western Europe and previously untapped markets worldwide. The Ministry of Tourism has underscored the importance of international partnerships, highlighting a landmark memorandum of cooperation signed with the Japan Tourism Agency in September 2024. This agreement aims to foster greater tourist exchange between the two countries, with plans underway to establish a direct air route. Furthermore, Bulgaria’s initiative to develop a „Balkans Destination,” promoting regional collaboration, has garnered support from neighboring nations such as Romania, Albania, Montenegro, and Greece.
Tourism Minister Evtim Miloshev has taken an active role in strengthening the sector, meeting with stakeholders from key summer destinations such as Varna, Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, and Nessebar to evaluate the successes of the 2024 summer season and plan for the year ahead. Preparations for the winter season have also been a priority, with resorts like Bansko, Borovets, Vitosha, and Pamporovo gearing up to welcome an estimated 3.2 million visitors between December and March, compared to 2.9 million last winter. Favorable snow conditions and sustained tourist interest have already set a positive tone for the season.
Despite these achievements, Minister Miloshev has emphasized the need for targeted policy adjustments, including a review of VAT rates for ski services and support for implementing a permanent, reduced 9% VAT rate across the tourism sector. The Ministry is also advancing plans for a Tourism Guarantee Fund to enhance consumer protection and backing amendments to the Tourism Act. These proposed changes aim to establish clearer standards for national resorts, further solidifying Bulgaria’s position as a premier global travel destination.
