Bulgaria Tourism Sector Hits New Revenue Records in August of this Year, Boosted by its Higher International Arrivals and Cultural Tourism

Published on October 12, 2025

Bulgaria’s tourism sector has registered its most successful August so far in 2025, as overnight stay revenues reached BGN 663 million, as per the National Statistical Institute (NSI). This represents a 14.1% growth from August 2024, when revenue was BGN 581.9 million. The strong growth is attributed to a mix of higher rates for accommodation, more foreign tourist arrivals, and the growing tourism infrastructure of the country. The robust performance showcases Bulgaria’s increasing status as a leading destination for travel in Europe, with both foreign tourists and internal travelers serving to fuel the industry’s overall growth.

Factors Driving the Surge in Tourism Revenues

Several key factors have contributed to the record revenues in August 2025:

• Increased accommodation prices: As the cost of overnight stays rises, hotels and other accommodation establishments have maintained their profitability.
• Shift away from all-inclusive packages: Many hotels are offering half-board or bed and breakfast packages instead of the all-inclusive model, as food prices rise.
• Higher number of overnight stays: The growing number of international tourists and local visitors has further boosted tourism revenues.
• Expansion of tourism infrastructure: The increase in hotel establishments and room availability has allowed the sector to accommodate growing demand.

Together, these elements have ensured that Bulgaria’s tourism sector continues to thrive despite challenges faced by the industry.

Expanding Accommodation and Tourism Services Across Bulgaria

In August 2025, Bulgaria had 3,771 accommodation establishments with 10 or more beds, offering 152,900 rooms and 355,600 beds across the country. This represents a 1.4% increase in the number of tourism facilities, and a 4.9% rise in available beds compared to the same month in 2024.

High-end accommodation has seen particular growth, with 4- and 5-star hotels accounting for 77.9% of overnight stays by foreign visitors. Meanwhile, three-star establishments saw a steady demand, particularly from domestic tourists, who accounted for 23% of overnight stays. This expanding infrastructure helps meet the increasing demand for both luxury travel and budget options, catering to a diverse range of visitors.

Growth in International Tourist Arrivals

The number of foreign tourists visiting Bulgaria continues to grow, with 4.1 million overnight stays recorded in August 2025. This marks a positive trend in international tourism, particularly from countries such as Germany, Turkey, and Russia. These visitors contribute significantly to tourism revenue and support the sustainability of the tourism industry.

As more international tourists explore Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and natural beauty, the country is seeing diversification in its tourist demographics. This growth is not limited to major cities like Sofia and Plovdiv, but also extends to smaller regions, highlighting the increasing interest in rural and cultural tourism.

Domestic Tourism: An Important Growth Sector

In addition to international visitors, domestic tourism has also experienced growth. In August 2025, 2.2 million Bulgarian tourists stayed in local accommodations, representing a 3% increase over the same period last year. Domestic tourists contributed to 12.4 million overnight stays, reinforcing the importance of local travel in driving tourism-related revenue.

Domestic tourism is critical for year-round tourism in Bulgaria, as it helps sustain the hospitality and service industries during the off-peak seasons. By attracting both local visitors and international travelers, Bulgaria has positioned itself as an all-season destination, ensuring economic stability for its tourism sector.

Rising Prices and the Impact on Future Tourism

While higher accommodation prices have contributed to the record revenues, the increase in prices is also likely to impact the affordability of future travel. According to Pavlina Ilieva, Chair of the Future for Tourism Association, holiday prices are expected to rise by up to 15% by the end of 2025. This price increase is part of a broader European trend driven by increased energy costs, inflation, and higher operational expenses.

While this price hike may make travel more expensive, it reflects the sustainability of the tourism industry, ensuring that tourism businesses in Bulgaria continue to thrive despite economic challenges. However, it also means that tourists will need to adapt to higher costs for accommodation, dining, and activities. Bulgaria’s tourism sector will have to balance price increases with quality service to maintain its attractiveness to foreign and domestic tourists.

Tourism Infrastructure Development and Future Prospects

To support tourism growth, Bulgaria continues to invest in tourism infrastructure. The construction of new hotels, improved transportation networks, and enhanced visitor services are crucial for accommodating the increasing number of international tourists. Bulgaria has also been focusing on the development of eco-tourism and sustainable travel options, ensuring that its natural attractions and heritage sites are preserved for future generations.

These infrastructure investments will not only enhance the visitor experience but also support local businesses and contribute to job creation in the tourism and hospitality sectors. By improving tourism infrastructure, Bulgaria is preparing itself for long-term tourism growth and ensuring its position as a top-tier European destination.

The Future of Tourism in Bulgaria: Expanding Markets and Sustainable Growth

As tourism in Bulgaria continues to grow, the country is exploring ways to attract new markets and diversify its offerings. Future tourism campaigns will focus on promoting thematic tourism, such as cultural tourism, wellness tourism, and eco-tourism, which are becoming increasingly popular among travelers. Additionally, Bulgaria aims to enhance its regional tourism cooperation and cross-border collaborations to increase tourist arrivals and boost cultural exchange.

As the tourism sector in Bulgaria continues to evolve, the introduction of new tourism products and services, as well as improvements to tourist facilities, will ensure the country’s competitiveness in a global tourism market that is ever-evolving.

A Bright Future for Bulgarian Tourism

Bulgaria’s tourism industry will continue on an upward trend, fueled by historic revenues in 2025, increasing international arrivals, and an emphasis on sustainable tourism. With massive investments in infrastructure and an array of tourist attractions to suit all tastes, Bulgaria is likely to continue to be a favorite with tourists looking for both cultural heritage and contemporary experiences. As prices rise, however, the country’s capacity to deliver high-quality services, as well as its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, will cement its position as Europe’s favorite holiday destination.