Number of Foreign Tourists in Bulgaria Up 8% in Q1 2010 Y/Y

Novinite.com, 14 April 2010

The number of foreign tourists, visiting Bulgaria between January and March 2010, is up nearly 8% year on year, according to data of the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism.

By countries – tourists from Serbia and Macedonia register the largest increase – 45% and 41% respectively, followed by Russians – 26%. The visitors from Greece are up by 4%, from Romania – 3%, the UK – 2% and those from Turkey are nearly 10% more.

A reduction is, however, registered in the number of tourists from Germany (9% less), Italy (5%), Austria (13%), and France (6%).

There is also an increase in revenues from tourism in the first quarter totaling EUR 104 M.

The Ministry hope their campaign to promote and attract more Bulgarians to local destinations would have an additional positive effect on the tourist industry along with the special State strategy to develop cultural tourism and advertise Bulgaria's traditions and historic heritage.