Bulgaria reports tourism decline and high relocation appeal

Bulgaria is seeing mixed trends in its tourism and relocation sectors. According to the National Statistical Institute, overnight stays in Bulgarian accommodation facilities with more than 10 beds fell by 5.4% in July 2026 compared to the previous year, totaling 5,768,700 stays. While the number of overnight stays decreased, revenue from these stays rose by 11.4% to 346.4 million euros.

In terms of international appeal, Bulgaria ranked 12th globally in the Rumavi Global Relocation Index, scoring 69.7 points. The country outperformed Germany and Spain, trailing the top ten by only 0.1 points. Key drivers for this ranking include high scores in financial accessibility (88.5 points), housing affordability (86.9 points), and favorable tax environments (80.1 points). The index highlights Bulgaria as an attractive destination for relocation due to low living costs and stability, with cities like Plovdiv noted for their economic and academic potential.