Romanian tourists keep Black Sea top choice, but Bulgaria gains share

A Travelminit survey shows that for the summer of 2026, 27.5% of Romanian respondents still prefer the Black Sea coast as their holiday destination, keeping it at the top of the list. However, interest is shifting toward inland regions, with 21.5% favouring Transylvania and 11.4% choosing Bucovina, and growing demand for mountain hikes, the Danube Delta and cultural heritage sites. Budget remains a key factor for 65.8% of respondents, while nearly half also stress comfort, service quality and online reviews when booking.

According to Traian Bădulescu of the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT), about two million Romanians visit the Romanian seaside each year, compared with 600‑700 thousand who travel to the Bulgarian coast. Bulgaria’s all‑inclusive hotel offerings and the removal of land border checks after Schengen accession have boosted its appeal, with a reported 15% rise in Romanian visitors versus a 7% decline on the Romanian coast, potentially leading to a drop of more than 10% in the coming season.