In brief
Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov said that five of the world’s largest tour operators expressed growing interest in Bulgaria during a London meeting, noting a 19 % rise in revenue and stable visitor numbers. He outlined plans to double marketing funds and introduce QR feedback at attractions, while a separate online claim of an extra €10 m in 2027 advertising remains unverified.
On 7 November at a press briefing in Sofia, Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov told Nova TV that international tour operators are showing a sharp rise in interest in Bulgaria after a meeting in London with the five largest operators.
Dimitrov said the operators viewed Bulgaria as a safe destination that offers good value for money and that the country’s tourism revenue rose 19 % compared to 2025, with visitor numbers on par with last summer despite higher regional prices.
Ilin Dimitrov delivered the remark during the briefing.
While countries around Bulgaria are sharply raising prices, we offer quality at affordable prices.
The minister also mentioned that a dispute between a major German tour operator and an airline had led to the loss of 220,000 seats for the country, yet he said efforts were made to salvage the season.
Dimitrov outlined a plan to double the budget for tourism marketing and promotion for the next year, aiming for a return of EUR 20 for every euro spent. He added that QR codes would be installed at restaurants, bars, hotels and museums to collect visitor feedback.
Dimitrov assured that drone attacks over the Black Sea had not harmed the country’s tourism reputation and that the upcoming Eurovision event in Burgas in 2027 would boost Bulgaria’s visibility.
Dimitrov stressed that tourism in Bulgaria caters to both budget‑conscious travelers and high‑end visitors, positioning the country as a dual‑market destination that can accommodate diverse preferences.
He referenced security concerns, stating that there have been no inquiries regarding safety arrangements for hosting Eurovision in Burgas, and that the event is critical for the country’s European profile.
While the BTA report cites the visit to London and the 19 % revenue increase, a separate online article claims that Bulgaria will spend an additional €10 million in 2027 on tourism advertising and link improvements. The link to that story is currently broken, so the information remains unconfirmed.
According to BTA, Bulgarian mayors will be required to allocate 50 % of revenue from tourist taxes toward promotion and air connectivity, a measure that remains unverified outside the minister’s statements.
