Over 100,000 Bulgarians Expected to Travel Abroad for the Holidays

Over 100,000 Bulgarians are expected to travel abroad during the upcoming holiday season, according to Prof. Dr. Rumen Draganov, Director of the Institute for Analysis and Forecasts in Tourism at the University of Library Science and Information Technologies. Speaking in an interview with BNR, Draganov provided insight into tourism trends during this period, which spans from December 20 to January 2, and is expected to see significant travel activity.

Draganov predicts that the most common reason for travel will be visits to family and friends, accounting for the majority of the outbound tourism. Following this, visits to winter resorts, guesthouses, and SPA hotels will be popular, especially for those looking to enjoy winter sports or a relaxing holiday atmosphere. Approximately 100,000 Bulgarians are expected to travel abroad, with about 60% of them visiting relatives, while the remainder will choose various tourist destinations.

The extended holiday period this year, lasting more than 10 days, is seen as an opportunity for both family and corporate travel. Many Bulgarians will take advantage of the longer break, with some even traveling multiple times during this period. Draganov also pointed out a notable shift in the festive mood this year, as Christmas trees and bazaars appeared as early as November, helping to boost holiday spirit and encourage early travel planning.

In terms of domestic tourism, a report by the National Statistical Institute (NSI) reveals that in October 2024, Bulgaria had 2,237 short-term accommodation facilities, including hotels, motels, campsites, and chalets, offering a total of 148.5 thousand beds. The number of accommodation places increased by 0.2% compared to the previous year, although the total bed count saw...