Bulgaria's tourism sector is navigating a challenging season as visitor numbers continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels. While there has been a slight uptick in arrivals to the Black Sea coast this year, industry representatives highlight several factors impacting this recovery.
Geopolitical tensions, a reduction in charter flights, and ongoing repairs to the Danube Bridge have all contributed to a decline in tourist numbers. Despite attractive deals along the Northern Black Sea coast, many hotels reported full bookings only during peak season, with concerns raised about losing reliable markets such as Romania and Poland.
Hotelier Stanislav Stoyanov noted that the repairs to the Danube Bridge, which commenced mid-season, have deterred visitors who typically travel to the Northern Black Sea area. Furthermore, the reduced number of airline flights available to Bulgaria has resulted in one million fewer overnight stays recorded in May, June, and July compared to the strong year of 2019.
Stoyanov emphasized the impact of lost tourists from Germany, Central Europe, and France due to the absence of charter flights. Expectations for an extended tourist season have also fallen short, with hoteliers expressing frustration over insufficient promotional efforts to attract visitors.
“The resort is empty. In Balchik, it's similar. You might see some traffic from nearby towns on weekends, but during the week, it's deserted,” remarked Stanislav Dimitrov, a hotel manager in Kranevo. He pointed out that this time of year typically offers unutilized benefits for pensioners and government employees through voucher programs, yet no initiatives have been launched.
Experts suggest that now is an opportune moment for a robust information campaign aimed at Western European markets, reassuring potential visitors that Bulgaria remains a safe and inviting destination despite ongoing geopolitical complexities. For travelers considering a visit, this may be the perfect time to explore the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Bulgaria's Black Sea coast.