Bulgarian Black Sea tourism shifts as German and British visitors disappear

The summer season on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast is undergoing a marked change. Traditional western guests from Germany and the United Kingdom are largely absent from popular resorts such as Sunny Beach, according to local expert Odysseus Spasov. He attributes the drop to soaring accommodation costs, higher prices for beach amenities, and increased staff wages.

In their place, the beaches are now frequented by Bulgarians, Poles, Romanians, Ukrainians and larger Romani groups, while Asian workers are employed as beach staff. Tourists are voicing frustration over steep service fees; a social‑media post from a visitor in Kitеn highlighted a €2 coffee plus a €1.50 surcharge for a tiny amount of milk. The complaint sparked comparisons with Greek beaches, where such add‑ons are not charged.

Despite the higher prices, the tourism sector remains hopeful for a stronger domestic turnout and a rebound in visitor numbers later in the season.