Where do tourists in Bulgaria come from?

Historical data

  • Over a long period (1991-2025), the average monthly number of tourist arrivals in Bulgaria is approximately 864,548.
  • The historical minimum is 81,153 arrivals (April 2020, a sharp decline due to the pandemic).
  • The maximum recorded value is 3,531,567 (December 2003).

Latest data from NSI

  • In October 2025, the number of tourists increased by 0.4% year-on-year, reaching 956,700.
  • In September 2025, the growth was 3.5%.
  • In August 2025, the growth was stronger – 6.3% year-on-year, with a total of 2,269,900 arrivals.

Composition of tourists and countries of origin (October 2025)

By purpose of travel:

  • other purposes – 46.1%
  • leisure and recreation – 38.5%
  • business trips – 15.4%

By origin:

  • about 54% of arrivals – from EU countries (largest shares: Romania, Greece, Germany, Poland)
  • about 37.8% – from other European countries, mainly Turkey

What this means

  • Historical fluctuations show a strong influence of external factors: the pandemic has sharply reduced tourist traffic, while some periods earlier were characterized by significantly higher figures.
  • Growth in 2025 indicates a sustained recovery or expansion of inbound tourism.
  • The structure of tourists confirms the diversity of travel destinations, as well as the continuing dominance of visitors from the EU, with a significant contribution from Turkey.