Bulgarian Tourism Faces Uncertainty Amid Economic Downturn and Workforce Shortage

Strategic Insights -

The Association of Bulgarian Tour Operators and Travel Agents (ABTTA) expects a slowdown in tourism growth in Bulgaria due to the unfavorable economic situation. According to ABTTA Deputy Chair Dimitrina Goranova, it is difficult to predict the effect of Bulgaria's full membership in the Schengen area on the sector, but a decline in the Romanian market is possible due to easier access for citizens from that country to Greek seaside resorts. Goranova noted that growth this summer may come from traditional markets such as Great Britain, Germany, Poland, and Czechia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ABTTA expects a slowdown in tourism growth in Bulgaria due to the economic situation.
  • Dimitrina Goranova predicts a 10% increase in holiday prices on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast this summer.
  • In 2024, the Romanian, Polish, and domestic Bulgarian markets saw growth, while other foreign markets declined.
  • The number of visits has not yet reached the levels from Summer 2019, and Goranova does not expect them to be achieved in 2025.
  • Revenue growth of up to 10% can be expected this summer, according to Goranova.
  • New flight connections have been established, including a Varna - Abu Dhabi route, and direct flights between Bulgarian airports and traditional European markets.
  • The main markets for Bulgarian tourism remain Romania, Germany, Great Britain, Poland, Czechia, and North Macedonia.
  • The domestic market generates a significant percentage of visits to seaside resorts.
  • Bulgarian tourists tend to prefer all-inclusive vacations with families and children, and there is an increased interest in campsites.

Statistics:

  • The shortage of seasonal workers in Bulgarian tourism reaches 200,000 people this year.
  • Over 108,000 foreign workers from third countries have been attracted to Bulgaria since 2019, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.

Sources:

  • BTA interview with Dimitrina Goranova, Deputy Chair of the Association of Bulgarian Tour Operators and Travel Agents (ABTTA)
  • Ministry of Tourism, preliminary estimates for 2024
  • Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, data on foreign workers attracted to Bulgaria between 2019 and 2024.