The World Travel and Tourism Council has published its report on the current state of the travel and tourism industry in Bulgaria and the likely evolution of the sector in the next 10 years.

WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson says that as the WTTC 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) 10 pc of the Bulgarian economy will come from travel and tourism industry by 2033.

WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will support 364,000 jobs across the country over the same period, which is about 11 pc of the total economy.

According to a press statement, the research also reveals Bulgaria’s travel and tourism sector is forecast to reach more than 75 pc of the 2019 peak this year.

The sector is set to grow more than 14 pc this year and contribute BGN 11.48 billion to the economy, edging closer to the 2019 pre-pandemic high of BGN 14.8 billion.

WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will create 17,500 jobs this year, to reach more than 287,000 in total, with one in twelve workers across Bulgaria, in the Travel & Tourism sector.

A look back on last year

Last year, the travel and tourism sector’s GDP contribution grew by 25 pc  to reach BGN 10 billion, representing 6.5 pc of Bulgaria’s economy, edging closer to the 2019 high of 9.9 pc of the economy.

Last year the sector also created almost 18,000 more jobs from the previous year to reach 270,000 jobs or one in 13 across Bulgaria.
According to the global tourism body’s annual research, the sector has now recovered a third of the jobs lost during the pandemic.

Last year also saw the return of international travellers heading to Bulgaria with spending from foreign visitors growing 31 pc year on year, to reach almost BGN 6.5 billion.

Domestic visitor spend almost fully recovered in 2022, growing 21 pc to reach BGN 1.3 billion, less than 5 pc below the pre-pandemic high of BGN 1.4 billion.

Julia Simpson

‘‘Bulgaria’s travel and tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience in recovering from the pandemic’s challenges, despite ongoing regional conflicts. The country’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment has not only supported its own recovery but also contributed to the sector in the region overall,’’ says Julia Simpson, President and CEO, WTTC.

“Bulgaria’s coastal destinations, like Sunny Beach, have been experiencing a surge in popularity, attracting an increasing number of visitors seeking new destinations. The country’s natural beauty extends beyond its stunning beaches with its picturesque mountains offering excellent opportunities for skiing and other winter sports,” she adds.