With Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area, tourism in the country is receiving new opportunities for development. As noted by Emil Abazov, member of the board of directors of the Association of Bulgarian Tour Operators, the demand for travel is growing rapidly. According to preliminary data, reservations for 2025 are already 20% higher than last year.
What will change for tourists after joining Schengen
Additional conveniences are opening up for tourists: simplified border crossings with neighboring countries and an increase in available destinations. “We expect that the number of trips to Greece and Romania will increase significantly. At the same time, we see a positive trend in the opposite direction – an increase in the number of foreign tourists coming to Bulgaria,” Abazov noted. According to him, the effect of the abolition of land borders will be felt already in early spring.
Rising trends in travel
Bulgarians are increasingly booking trips, demonstrating interest in new destinations. Among the traditional favorites are Greece, Turkey and Italy. At the same time, the popularity of more exotic destinations such as Dubai, the UAE and Asian countries is growing. Egypt is also preparing for a successful season due to its accessibility and rich cultural program.
“We are attracting new inbound tourism markets,” Abazov said. “Many travelers are looking for lesser-known, but no less exciting European and world destinations.”
Winter season: challenges and prospects
Forecasts for the winter tourist season remain uncertain due to changing climate conditions. However, there is a steady trend among skiers to book early.
“There are tourists who rely on weather forecasts, but a significant portion prefers to plan their vacation in advance,” Abazov added. This opens up additional opportunities for tour operators, who can offer flexible and favorable conditions for clients.
Advantages of organized tours
The growing popularity of traveling with tour operators is explained by the desire of tourists to feel protected. As Abazov noted, tours with professional support provide safety and comfort. “Most tourists have realized that by trusting professionals, they receive not only convenience, but also guarantees.”
To provide additional confidence to travelers, it is planned to introduce a guarantee fund that will protect their financial interests. “Sooner or later, a mechanism must be created that ensures 100% protection of consumer funds,” Abazov emphasized.
Conclusions
Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen opens up new horizons for both outbound and inbound tourism. Growing interest in the country, an increase in the number of bookings and the emergence of new destinations make 2025 a promising year for the industry. The combination of convenience, safety and variety of offers allows us to confidently expect positive results for both tourists and the Bulgarian economy.
