World Tourism Organization: Bulgaria is Among The Best Recovering Destinations in The First Quarter of 2023

After the pandemic: Experts report 27% growth, which ranks us 6th in the world

The latest barometer of the UN World Tourism Organization (WTO) presents positive news for the European tourism industry and Bulgaria in particular. According to WTO data, Bulgaria is among the best recovering destinations in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the pre-pandemic year 2019 in terms of: the number of tourist arrivals — with an increase of 27%, which ranks us 6th in the world, and in revenues from international tourism, where an increase of 21% is reported, which places Bulgaria in 10th place in the world.

According to published data, twice as many people travelled in the first quarter of 2023 than in the same period in 2022. The reason for this is the strong demand within the European continent and the recovery of a number of the world's leading emitter markets.

The data shows that 2023 is off to an exceptional start for Mediterranean European destinations, which have surpassed 2019 levels and prove the resilience and attractiveness of the European tourism sector.

According to a WTO survey, nearly 70% of industry experts expect the upward trend of European destinations to continue in the upcoming summer season. This forecast brings optimism and reinforces the belief in the successful recovery of the European tourism industry.