site.btaTourism Minister Expects Sector to Record 5-7% Growth in First Half of 2025

The expected growth in tourism in the country is between 5% and 7% in the first half of the year, said Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh in Kyustendil (Western Bulgaria) on Friday. He pointed out that the overall assessment, based on data for the first six months, is for continued growth in tourism in Bulgaria. This is reflected both in terms of foreign tourists and domestic tourism. "The expected growth is between 5% and 7% for the entire period from January to June, which is a very good trend given the stagnation of some destinations in Europe," commented the Minister of Tourism.

"I think Bulgarian tourism is developing at a normal pace. We had a very strong winter season, as you know, and now the summer season is shaping up to be quite good," Borshosh added. He pointed out that there are already signs of recovery in the sector, but the results of the pre-pandemic years have not yet been achieved. According to him, the German market has begun to recover after a series of meetings with the largest tour operators.

"In modern tourism, we are already talking about the 2026 season. The first reservations have started. What I am observing in conversations with the industry is that the big tour operators are already starting to take reservations, which means that there is sustained interest in Bulgaria as a tourist destination," the Minister added. He pointed out that there is a desire to achieve more in the German and UK markets, even though these markets are currently on the rise. "The Romanian market is also on the rise, and I expect the same to happen with the Polish market as a traditional one, and, of course, we have very good growth in two markets that we must take into account - these are the Turkish and Israeli markets," Borshosh noted.

"Until now, the development of mountain tourism has remained in the realm of ski tourism, and what we are trying to do is to make the mountains welcome tourists 365 days a year," the Minister added. He pointed out that work is being done in this direction, which means that greater accessibility is also needed. "This also means many more lifts and slopes so that we can go where most European countries are. In September, we will begin the big conversation about the development of mountain tourism," said Borshosh.

He took part today in the spiritual festival of Kyustendil, "Panagia - Raising of the Bread." He also held a meeting with the Mayor Ognyan Atanasov. "This is part of our entire campaign and approach at the Ministry of Tourism - in municipalities that are significant and important for tourism, we outline the opportunities and problems on the spot in order to find solutions and guide our entire presentation of the country at the national level," the Minister said after the meeting. He pointed out that Kyustendil offers cultural and historical tourism, mountain tourism, religious routes, and has developed good infrastructure. Good coordination and cooperation between local and national authorities will yield results, he stressed.

"There needs to be more accommodation so that tourists can stay for more than a day. We will expand the festival and concert program to attract more tourists," said Borshosh. Mayor Ognyan Atanasov said he was pleased with the meeting and stressed that the Municipality needs a strong advertising campaign, for which it has received assurances of support from the Ministry of Tourism. "I believe that with this support, Kyustendil will be able to return to the tourist map of Bulgaria because we have everything except the sea," Atanasov added.