site.btaBulgaria's Seaside Airports Expect Significant Increase of German Tourists

The Bulgarian seaside ports of Varna and Burgas expect an increase in German tourists this summer, by 60% and 70%, respectively, Dr. Frank Quante, CEO of the concessionaire of the two airports, Fraport Twin Star Airport Management, said here on Thursday. Although the performance is good, the company continues to work to attract even more guests during the summer season, he added.

Germany is the fastest growing market, but there is also growth in the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Turkiye, and the UK, Quante added. He stressed that this is an increase in flights to and from these countries, and it is not clear how many of the passengers are tourists. He also pointed out that this year a significant increase in visitors from Scandinavian countries is also expected.

The German market is already reaching the pre-COVID figures of 2019, Quante added. And he clarified that with regard to Varna Airport, it can be said with great confidence that this is not only true for Germany.

About the new Varna - Abu Dhabi regular flights, he commented that the problem with the number of passengers stems from visas. He recalled that the concessionaire facilitated the arrival of two groups of influencers and travel agents from the United Arab Emirates who were very impressed with Bulgaria. Visas, however, prevent people from coming, as 90% of those living in the UAE actually only work there and need to have a short-term visa to visit Bulgaria, Quante explained. He stressed that the State can find solutions to this issue.

Quante was among the participants in the Erlebe Bulgarien/Experience Bulgaria forum, which took place in the Golden Sands sea resort near Varna on Thursday. The event brought together around 200 leading tour operators, airlines and media from Germany to establish Bulgaria as a preferred destination for visitors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.