Bulgaria Experiences Growth in Tourism

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Economy reports that over 3.5 million foreigners visited in 2003, a growth of 18 percent from last year’s figure. Last year, excluding ‘shuttle traders’ (one-day-trade travelers to a neighboring county), Greek tourists were the number one visitors, up 40 percent; followed by Germans (+11.26%), British (+43.68), Russians (+22.08%), and Sweden (+28.35%). Furthermore, the interest also grew not only among traditional markets, but also in countries such as Jordan, which is the record-holder in terms of growthВ  (+ 470,97%), Slovenia (+201%), and Hungary (+104.65%).

Per provisional data the incomes from international tourist (without the transport) amount to US$1.4 million for the first ten months of 2003 (+ 20, 9% compared to the same period of 2002).
3.403.402 Bulgarians traveled abroad in 2003, which is 6.74В  % more than in the previous year. Turkey was the most attractive country for the Bulgarians – 1.120.587 people preferred this destination (for business and tourism) in 2003 (+21,04 %), while the second preferred country for the tourists was Greece (482.422). Sharply is increased interest to Spain (+51%), Italy (+42.4%), Belgium (+35.5%).

The positive balance of the international tourist business for the first 10 months of 2003 up 23.7 percent compared to the same period of 2002.В  Visitors spent an average US$473 during their stay in Bulgaria, while Bulgarians spent US$217 on travels abroad.

The past year was not easygoing for the international tourist business, which had to overcome gradually the crises it went through in the previous years. Against this background, the 18 percent growth in tourists and 21 percent growth in incomes mark a trend that is more than favorable. These figures make Bulgaria rank among the most successful tourist countries all over the world.

The Iraq crisis did not influence considerably the booking for Bulgaria. Nor did the country’s tourism suffered from the SARS.

Millions of tourists are attracted to visit Bulgaria because of its perfect Black sea beaches, first class winter resorts, unique and very ancient history and culture, pictorially small villages. The country is like a huge motley kaleidoscope. The prices are reasonable.В  The food is good, the wine is fine.

By Plamen Starev
eturbonews.com
Bulgaria

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January 27, 2004   Posted in: Bulgaria