The Bulgarian Black Sea coast is expecting a strong tourist season in 2025.

The expectations for the summer tourist season of 2025 on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast are optimistic, with a moderate increase in tourist flow. According to forecasts by the Institute for Tourism Analysis and Evaluation, foreign visits to Bulgaria in 2025 will reach around 13.8 million - 4-4.5% more compared to 2024. In the period May-September 2025, over 8 million foreign tourists are expected, of which around 5.5 million will vacation at the seaside resorts. At the same time, the interest of Bulgarian tourists towards the local Black Sea coast remains high - around 9 million visits by Bulgarians during the season are forecast.

The leading Black Sea resorts in Bulgaria are entering the 2025 season with increased preparation and renovated facilities. Sunny Beach, the largest seaside resort, expects around 15% more tourists this summer compared to 2024. The local tourism business reports significant investments in the material base, with numerous hotels renovated and modernized. Golden Sands and the surrounding northern resorts are also preparing for a strong summer, reporting an increase in category and attracting wealthier tourists. The historic resort towns of Nessebar and Sozopol are expecting increased interest thanks to the combination of cultural heritage and sea tourism.

Tourist services in the summer of 2025 will moderately increase in price compared to the previous year - hotel prices and package holidays are expected to be on average 10-15% higher. Nevertheless, the Bulgarian Black Sea coast remains a competitive destination in terms of price - cheaper than Greece, a little more expensive than Turkey, and significantly more affordable than destinations like Spain or Italy. Particular attention is paid to the prices of beach facilities, which remain unchanged in 2025.

Summer tourism is a major economic driver for the Black Sea regions of Bulgaria, generating revenue and employment for thousands of local residents. Tourism revenues in 2025 are expected to reach around 16 billion BGN, accounting for a significant share of GDP. At the peak of the season, unemployment in the Black Sea municipalities traditionally drops to some of the lowest levels in the country, as many people find work in the tourism sector. Estimates indicate that over 200,000 seasonal workers are needed during the peak summer months, including local staff and a large number of temporary workers from the country's interior and abroad.

To accommodate the growing number of tourists in 2025, several important infrastructure and organizational changes are being implemented or planned. The modernization of the airports in Burgas and Varna, as well as improvements to the road network, continue. From 2025, a new Regulation on Water Rescue will come into force, requiring the presence of more lifeguards and medical personnel on the beaches. Another change is related to tax policy - since the beginning of 2023, the reduced VAT rate for restaurants and services has been restored to the standard 20%, which, according to industry representatives, puts Bulgarian tourism in a less favorable position compared to competitors.

The environmental conditions and climate are important factors for the course of the tourist season. In 2025, Bulgaria recorded a record number of "Blue Flag" awards - a total of 30 beaches and marinas on the Black Sea coast have been awarded this eco-certificate, showing the growing commitment of local authorities to the sustainable development of tourism.