Critical decline in tourists in Bulgaria

While European resorts are enjoying growth, the Bulgarian tourism sector is facing serious challenges. According to Eurostat data, Bulgaria is in last place in the EU in terms of tourist arrivals for the period January-April 2026, reporting a decline of 4%, compared to an average growth of 4.5% for the Union.

Management errors or lack of marketing?

Minister of Tourism Ilin Dimitrov described the situation as an "alarming signal" and attributed it to the incorrect priorities of the previous management. Instead of targeted campaigns, funds were spent inefficiently:

  • 48,000 BGN spent on photos, with the installation of each costing 41 BGN per screw.
  • A contract for 541,000 BGN for advertising clips on a facade, without an early termination clause.
"My job as a minister is to work for international markets that will bring money into Bulgaria," Ilin Dimitrov stated to BNT.

The future of the season

The main markets from which a downturn is observed are Germany and Romania. Despite the negative trends, the minister remains an optimist and believes in the elasticity of the market and the wisdom of the businesses, which will manage to compensate for the losses and ensure a stable season.