In brief
Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov highlighted rising interest from the world's largest tour operators after meetings in London. Bulgaria’s affordability, safety, and dual budget‑and‑high‑quality appeal combine with a 19% revenue gain, prompting plans to double marketing funds and introduce QR‑code feedback. Drone attacks and regional price hikes did not hurt the country’s tourist image.
International tour operators are increasingly looking to Bulgaria, Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov told Nova TV after a London event, saying the five largest companies there expressed more interest in the country.
Dimitrov said Bulgaria is a safe, affordable destination that offers both budget and high‑end travel options, and compared it to higher‑priced neighbors like Spain and Italy, where overtourism is an issue.
Ilin Dimitrov
“While countries around Bulgaria are sharply raising prices, we offer quality at affordable prices. Spain and Italy are experiencing overtourism, but this is not the case in Bulgaria.”
He noted that tourism revenue rose 19% compared with 2025, and that visitor numbers stayed similar to the previous year even after a dispute that caused 220,000 airline seats to be lost for a German operator.
In response, the ministry plans to twice the marketing budget for next year, aiming for a €20 return on every euro spent. New QR codes will be placed at restaurants, hotels, museums and attractions for guests to rate services, and mayors will be required to spend 50% of tourist‑tax revenue on promotion and air links.
Dubna media reported that Bulgaria will add an extra €10 million in 2027 to advertise the country and improve tourist links, effectively doubling promotion spending.
Despite drone attacks in the Black Sea, Dimitrov said the country’s reputation remained intact. He also mentioned that no inquiries had yet been made about security arrangements for the Eurovision contest in Burgas next year, positioning Bulgaria in a European spotlight.
