Bulgaria tourism spending and travel numbers rise in 2026

Data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) indicates a rise in tourism activity and spending for Bulgarian citizens in 2026. During the second quarter, 1.3 million Bulgarians traveled, a 4.4% increase compared to the previous year. Average personal travel expenditure rose to 190.30 euros domestically and 480.63 euros abroad. Food remains the largest budget component, accounting for approximately 40% of domestic and 35% of international spending.

In July 2026, over one million Bulgarians traveled abroad, a 3.1% increase from July 2025. Greece and Turkey emerged as the most popular destinations, with 263,900 and 261,200 trips respectively. While leisure and excursions drive the majority of travel, business trips saw a slight decline.

Conversely, foreign visits to Bulgaria in July reached nearly 2 million, representing a 1.2% decrease from the previous year. The largest groups of visitors to Bulgaria were from Turkey and Romania.

In aviation news, the new carrier Balkan Skyways is preparing to launch regular international flights from Plovdiv Airport starting in the 2027 summer season, with potential routes including Germany, Spain, France, Poland, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, and Turkey.