Tourism in Bulgaria
Visitors
More than 9.5 million tourists stayed in registered accommodation in 2025, 5.8% more than in 2024 and 16.1% more than in 2019. Foreign registrations grew 9.8%. Growth in nights was about twice the EU average.1
Turkey, Romania, Greece and Germany are the main source markets.3
Where tourists go
Five municipalities take half of all tourists. The seaside received 3.5 million, the big cities 3 million and mountain and spa resorts 2.5 million.2
Source: BTA: Five municipalities account for half of Bulgaria’s tourists (7 April 2026)2
Accommodation revenue was €1.4 billion in 2025; Nessebar alone earned €382 million, or 27%.2
Hotel investment
- 118 hotel projects are under construction, adding about 500,000 m² of space, led by Sofia, Velingrad and Balchik.
- Bulgaria has the most seasonal tourism of the EMEA markets analysed, with demand peaking in July and August.
- Tourism was 10–11% of GDP in 2013–2019 and is still below that level.
Source: Bulgarian Tourism: Hotels market report, August 20263
The government’s goal is to bring the number of foreign tourists to eight million.4
Frequently Asked Questions
How many foreign holiday visitors did Bulgaria receive in 2025?
Bulgaria received 6.04 million foreign holiday visitors in 2025, up 4.3%. More than 9.5 million tourists stayed in registered accommodation, 5.8% more than in 2024 and 16.1% more than in 2019.
How much revenue did tourism bring Bulgaria in 2025?
Inbound tourism revenue was approximately €3.9 billion in January–November 2025. Accommodation revenue was €1.4 billion for the year, with Nessebar alone earning €382 million, or 27%.
Which places attract the most tourists in Bulgaria?
The five municipalities receiving the most tourists in 2025 were Nessebar, with 1,500 thousand; Sofia, with 1,300 thousand; Varna, with 1,200 thousand; Plovdiv, with 410 thousand; and Balchik, with 378 thousand. Together, five municipalities accounted for half of all tourists.
What share of Bulgaria’s GDP comes from tourism?
Tourism accounted for 7.1% of Bulgaria’s GDP in 2025. Its share was 10–11% in 2013–2019 and remains below that level.
How many hotel projects are under construction in Bulgaria?
There are 118 hotel projects under construction in Bulgaria, adding about 500,000 m² of space, with projects led by Sofia, Velingrad and Balchik. Among the EMEA markets analysed, Bulgaria has the most seasonal tourism, with demand peaking in July and August.
Sources
- Sofia Globe: Arrivals of visitors from abroad for holidays up 4.29% in 2025 (17 February 2026)
- BTA: Five municipalities account for half of Bulgaria’s tourists (7 April 2026)
- Bulgarian Tourism: Hotels market report, August 2026 (PDF)
- BTA: Government’s goal to double the number of foreign tourists to eight million
Figures checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
