International tourist arrivals in Bulgaria increased by 5% over the first eleven months of 2005. Europe is the major generator of tourism for Bulgaria and the share of the European Union (EU) in the total count has increased to 55%…
International tourist arrivals in Bulgaria increased by 5% over the first eleven months of 2005. Europe is the major generator of tourism for Bulgaria and the share of the European Union (EU) in the total count has increased to 55%thanks to a higher than average 6% rise in arrivals from member countries, and more than 7% from new EU member markets.
Last year’s growth was particularly welcome given the increasing concerns about the impact of excessive construction along the country’s Black Sea coast which, many believe, has reduced the quality of a Bulgarian sun & beach holiday. But the peak months of August and September were adversely affected.
Markets showing the best growth – clearly from different bases – during 2005 were the UK, Russia, Ukraine, Scandinavia, Turkey, Central Europe and the USA.
Meanwhile, the government is reportedly starting to recognise the fact that the state budget allocated to marketing and promotions is sorely inadequate and is looking at the possibility of injecting new funds into the tourism authorities. The longer-term goal is to diversify the country’s tourism product and markets away from sun & beach summer holidays.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
