Bulgaria and UK Deepen Tourism Ties Amid Growing British Visitor Numbers

Sofia, The Gulf Observer: Bulgarian Tourism Minister Miroslav Borsos met with the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, H.E. Nathaniel Copsey, to discuss enhanced bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector. The meeting focused on expanding joint initiatives to better promote Bulgaria to British travelers and to foster deeper institutional and business partnerships between the two countries.

“Our countries enjoy strong tourism relations and a joint ambition to create lasting, high-quality experiences,” Minister Borsos stated during the talks. “We’re not only aiming to recover the flow of British tourists seen before the pandemic, but to surpass it by introducing new offerings and improving quality.”

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to developing sustainable tourism and ensuring long-term benefits for the sector. The UK continues to be one of Bulgaria’s top priority markets for incoming tourism, with strong potential for further growth.

According to Bulgaria’s National Statistical Institute, nearly 253,000 British nationals stayed in Bulgarian accommodations in 2024—a 4.9% increase from the previous year. While this number still falls short of pre-pandemic peaks, it reflects a solid recovery trajectory. British visitors remain drawn to Bulgaria’s diverse offerings, ranging from Black Sea coastal resorts and UNESCO-listed heritage sites to city tourism and mountain destinations. Popular spots include Nessebar, Sofia, Bansko, Borovets, and Varna.

To maintain momentum and increase visibility, Bulgaria’s Ministry of Tourism has remained active in the UK market through participation in leading tourism expos, including the World Travel Market in London and New Deal Europe. In response to heightened interest from Bulgarian tourism businesses, an expanded national stand is already planned for the 2025 edition of the World Travel Market. The move aims to deepen engagement with British tour operators and further promote Bulgaria as a year-round destination.

Minister Borsos expressed optimism about the future of Bulgarian-UK tourism ties, highlighting the growing demand for authentic, sustainable, and high-quality travel experiences.