Minister Angelkova: We have welcomed over 5.1 mil. international tourists during April-August 2016

During the first 8 months of 2016 (January to August), Bulgaria was visited by over 6 mil. international tourists, which marks a 15,7% growth compared to last year’s same period. Bulgarian tourism has registered huge growth, with the increase vis-à-vis the last 10 years being 60%. This was announced by the Minister of Tourism, Nikolina Angelkova, during her visit to the morning news segment of Nova TV, Hello, Bulgaria.

„Even though we do not yet have formal September stats, we can still say that this has been the most successful summer season“, Nikolina Angelkova said. According to her, during the April-August period we have welcomed over 5.1 mil. international tourists. This is an absolute record, since up to now the numbers fluctuated around the 4 mil. mark of international tourists for the same period. Big growth is registered in tourists from Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, etc. „It is now important to achieve sustainability of these results. In all our discussion with them, the large-scale tour operators are reporting that they are now negotiating bigger numbers for next season, therefore the industry must also take the required steps in terms of investments in infrastructure and staff“, Minister Angelkova emphasized.

More than 2,1 mil. Bulgarians have had night-stays in accommodation facilities of more than 10 beds during the first seven months, registering an 11% growth. Increased interest is observed in regards to cultural-historical tourism, with positive results being reported by the cities of Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, etc., it was made clear by the Minister.