Bulgaria's Black Sea resorts hit 50‑60% weekday occupancy, wide restaurant price gaps

Hotels along Bulgaria's Black Sea coast are operating at about 50‑60% occupancy on weekdays, which is 15‑20% lower than the same period last year, while weekend occupancy remains high. Officials expect a significant increase in the second half of July.

Tourism officials Ivayl Kichukov, chair of the Bulgarian Tourism Association, and Rumen Draganev, director of the Institute for Analysis and Evaluation in Tourism, said the main challenge is weekday demand and emphasised the need for better service quality. They noted that tourism in Bulgaria is no longer solely dependent on the summer season, with strong growth in cultural, city, spa and wellness tourism, especially in Sofia and Plovdiv.

Restaurant prices on the seaside vary widely: a simple sea‑bass (lavrak) dish can cost €15‑25, while a full‑service beachfront meal may reach €75 per person. Low‑cost eateries offer meals for €4‑5. Kichukov compared price ranges to neighbouring Greece, where similar variations exist. The sector is discussing reforms through a newly established Tourism Reform Council to improve service standards and attract more visitors.