site.btaSofia Reports 11% Growth in Tourists in First Half of 2025

Sofia Municipality on Tuesday reported an 11% increase in tourists visiting the capital in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

The municipal administration noted that Sofia attracts an increasing number of tourists from around the world with its rich cultural and historical heritage, nature, transport connectivity and modern city life, as the data show that 61% of visitors are foreigners, and the remaining 39% are Bulgarians. Tourists from Greece increased by 22%, which is due to both increased interest and easier travel following Bulgaria's accession to Schengen. Visitors from Turkiye and Poland increased by 21% and 20%, respectively.

The number of overnight stays reached 1.45 million, marking an 8% increase. Revenue from overnight stays amounted to nearly BGN 174 million, which represents an increase of almost 9% compared to the first half of 2024. A serious growth of 174% was also reported in the revenues from the tourist tax, which increase from BGN 1.147 million in 2024 to BGN 3.143 million in 2025, as a result of the increased rates in 2025.