Monday, March 30, 2026
Bulgaria experienced a significant surge in tourism in February 2026, as foreign holiday arrivals skyrocketed past 288,000, driven by an increase in visitors from key countries including Greece, Romania, Türkiye, Serbia, and others. The National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria (NSI) reported that a total of 735,200 non-resident visitors entered the country in February, representing a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This uptick reflects Bulgaria’s growing appeal as a year-round travel destination, with holiday tourism contributing significantly to the rise.
The Q1 2026 tourism figures highlight a robust recovery in the Bulgarian tourism sector, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Of the 735,200 total visitors, approximately 288,051 were specifically for holiday purposes, underscoring the continued popularity of leisure travel to Bulgaria. These numbers illustrate a shift toward off-peak tourism, with foreign visitors eager to explore Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and diverse attractions, not just during the summer months but also in the winter and spring.
The surge in holiday arrivals in February demonstrates that Bulgaria is increasingly viewed as a year-round destination. In addition to the popular summer tourism, the country’s winter tourism offerings and its ability to attract visitors for cultural festivals and heritage sites have positioned it as an appealing choice for travelers seeking a variety of experiences.
The holiday surge was particularly noticeable from Romania, Türkiye, and Greece, the top three source countries for Bulgaria’s foreign visitors in February 2026. Romania topped the list with 50,487 holiday visitors, followed by Türkiye at 41,900 and Greece with 40,944. These figures reflect Bulgaria’s strong appeal to its neighbors in Southeast Europe, driven by geographic proximity, transport links, and shared cultural interests.
Beyond these primary sources, Bulgaria also saw notable arrivals from other countries, including Serbia (26,818), the United Kingdom (18,842), Israel (18,245), and Germany (11,058). This diverse set of markets highlights Bulgaria’s expanding global tourism reach and its ability to attract tourists from across Europe and beyond.
The increase in holiday tourism from the European Union is particularly noteworthy, with EU citizens representing 55.1% of all visitors to Bulgaria in February 2026. The ease of travel within the EU, coupled with Bulgaria’s growing tourism offerings, has significantly boosted the flow of travelers from Romania, Greece, and other EU countries. The EU membership and Schengen Area travel advantages have made Bulgaria an attractive destination for short-term travel, fostering a sense of ease for visitors from EU member states.
As more EU nationals visit Bulgaria, the country benefits from a strengthened position within the European tourism market. The combination of EU membership, enhanced connectivity, and Bulgaria’s proximity to major travel hubs has positioned it as an increasingly popular choice for regional tourists.
The surge in holiday tourism has contributed substantially to Bulgaria’s economy, particularly in the hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors. The influx of foreign visitors has driven hotel occupancy rates to high levels, with local businesses benefiting from increased sales in restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions.
In particular, the winter tourism season has proven beneficial for Bulgarian destinations known for their ski resorts and mountain landscapes, while cultural and historical attractions like Plovdiv, Varna, and Veliko Tarnovo continue to draw cultural tourists. The tourism sector’s expansion aligns with broader efforts to develop eco-tourism and sustainable travel products, ensuring long-term growth for Bulgaria’s tourism industry.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its tourism sector, Bulgaria is leveraging its geographical diversity to attract more visitors throughout the year. The country’s unique combination of Black Sea resorts, mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historic cities offers a broad range of experiences for travelers of all tastes. Whether it’s skiing in the Pirin Mountains or exploring ancient Roman ruins in Sofia, Bulgaria continues to position itself as a versatile destination catering to both adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts.
Strategic location at the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe also makes Bulgaria an easily accessible destination for tourists traveling by rail, road, or low-cost flights. With the development of better transport links and increased regional cooperation, Bulgaria is poised to continue growing its share of Europe’s tourism market.
Looking ahead, Bulgaria is projected to continue seeing strong growth in inbound tourism, with the country on track to exceed 14 million foreign visitors in 2026. This increase will be fueled by continued demand from neighboring markets like Romania, Turkey, and Greece, as well as by global travelers seeking to explore the country’s hidden gems.
By investing in tourism infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and expanding marketing efforts, Bulgaria is positioning itself as a key player in Southeast Europe’s competitive tourism market. Efforts to diversify its tourism offerings, coupled with increased connectivity, will likely help Bulgaria maintain its momentum and attract even more visitors in the years to come.
In February 2026, Bulgaria’s tourism sector demonstrated impressive resilience and growth, as holiday arrivals surged past 288,000, led by visitors from Romania, Turkey, and Greece. This growth reflects Bulgaria’s growing popularity as a year-round destination, with continued investments in tourism infrastructure and a focus on cultural and eco-tourism.
With a thriving tourism industry, Bulgaria is well on its way to becoming one of Europe’s top travel destinations, providing visitors with an unparalleled mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
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