The Bulgarian Minister of Tourism, Zaritsa Dinkova, has announced a significant development expected to impact the country's tourism industry profoundly. Bulgaria is poised to witness a surge in visitors, driven by its imminent partial integration into the Schengen Area via air and sea routes.

Schengen Integration Brings Convenience

Commencing on March 31, 2024, Bulgaria will no longer conduct identity and security checks on individuals arriving from Schengen Member States via air and maritime borders. This transformative step is anticipated to streamline travel and tourism while addressing several inconveniences travellers face upon entry into Bulgaria, as reported by SchengenVisaInfo.com.

Minister Dinkova elaborated on the implications of Bulgaria's Schengen accession, emphasising that tourists arriving in the country will no longer be subjected to the tedious processes typically associated with border control terminals. The removal of border checks is expected to pique the interest of travellers, thus catalysing an influx of visitors to the nation.

Tourism Growth Despite Pending Full Membership

Remarkably, despite Bulgaria's pending full membership in the Schengen Agreement, statistics indicate that the country witnessed a substantial increase in tourism last year. The winter season, in particular, saw remarkable growth, primarily attributed to Bulgaria's renowned winter destinations.

Minister Dinkova shared the encouraging news that in December 2023, the number of tourists graced Bulgaria's landscapes exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Specifically, the last month of 2023 recorded a noteworthy 4.9 per cent upswing in visitor numbers.

Notably, while tourists from various European Union (EU) and non-EU countries ventured to Bulgaria in December, Italian tourists made a significant mark with a remarkable 48 per cent surge in their numbers. Furthermore, among non-EU visitors, Turkish guests registered a 22 per cent increase in their presence in Bulgaria during December of the previous year.

ECTAA's Optimistic Outlook

The European Associations of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (ECTAA) have also projected a promising outlook for Bulgaria in 2024. Designating Bulgaria as a "Preferred Destination" for the year, ECTAA, in collaboration with Bulgaria's Ministry of Tourism and the Association of Bulgarian Tour Operators and Travel Agents, aims to position the country as an absolute must-visit destination.

In response to this initiative, the Secretary General of ECTAA emphasised Bulgaria's potential to emerge as one of Europe's most competitive and captivating countries for travellers. He underscored Bulgaria's capacity to offer tourists unique and unforgettable experiences.

As part of their efforts, ECTAA intends to establish online information hubs that promote Bulgaria's objectives, providing agents and tour operators with comprehensive information. Additionally, they plan to bolster the country's presence on social media platforms to further enhance its appeal as a top-tier tourist destination.

FAQs

When will Bulgaria officially join the Schengen Area?

Bulgaria is set to partially enter the Schengen Area via air and sea borders starting from March 31, 2024.

How did Bulgaria's tourism perform in December 2023?

In December 2023, Bulgaria witnessed a 4.9 per cent increase in visitor numbers compared to pre-pandemic levels, with significant contributions from Italian and Turkish tourists.

What initiatives are being taken to promote Bulgaria as a tourist destination?

The European Associations of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (ECTAA) have designated Bulgaria as a "Preferred Destination" for 2024. They plan to establish online information hubs and boost Bulgaria's presence on social media to enhance its appeal.