[1]Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh held a working meeting with his Croatian counterpart Tonči Glavina in Zagreb this week. The main focus of the talks was on the benefits of adopting the euro for one of the most important economic sectors, namely tourism.
Minister Borshosh noted that the tourism sector in Bulgaria is ready for the adoption of the euro, which will make the country even more attractive to foreign tourists and more competitive. Easier payments, price transparency, and predictability are just some of the benefits that will make life easier for both tourists and businesses in the sector.
Minister Glavina presented Croatia's experience, emphasizing that the effect of the introduction of the euro has been overwhelmingly positive for the sector. Long before the official adoption, businesses in Croatia had started working with foreign partners in euros, which facilitated the transition and contributed to a significant increase in foreign investment. As a correlative result of Croatia's entry into the Eurozone on January 1, 2023, an increase in the average wage in the country was noted, which reached €1,448 in March 2025, an increase of 5.8% in one year, taking into account inflation of 3.2%.
"Croatia is our strategic partner and an extremely useful example for Bulgaria on the threshold of our accession to the Eurozone. I am convinced that the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria will bring long-term benefits for Bulgarian tourism. The industry is prepared and has adapted its systems and processes to facilitate reservations and payments for services in hotels, restaurants, and tourist products, which can now be paid in euros. Bulgarian tourism is looking ahead to 2026 with a readiness for growth – more tourists, new investments, and stable development of the sector," Minister Borshosh emphasized.
Minister Tonchi Glavina expressed his strong support for Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone. He commented that the use of a single currency is an important advantage when choosing a tourist destination. It eliminates the need for currency exchange and the associated fees and costs. According to Minister Glavina and their data, this is what has made travel to Croatia more convenient and attractive for tourists from countries that already use the euro. He expressed confidence that the same positive effect will be seen in Bulgaria.
The Croatian minister said that foreign tourists outnumber domestic tourists only during the summer season, with domestic tourism remaining at higher levels and in first place in the first quarter of this year. He added that since Croatia joined the eurozone, there has been an increase in Croatian tourists travelling to the country, mainly as a result of rising incomes.
The meeting is part of the Ministry of Tourism's active foreign policy and European engagement to position Bulgaria as a stable and predictable partner in the region.