Greece and Turkey Top Destinations for Bulgarian Travelers in 2024

Greece and Turkey remained the most popular destinations for Bulgarian travelers in 2024, according to the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria.

Data released showed that December 2024 saw a significant rise in international travel for Bulgarians, with 727,200 trips abroad, a 12 percent increase compared to the same month in 2023.

Turkey and Greece were the most visited countries by Bulgarians in December 2024, with 198,500 trips recorded to Turkey and 132,000 to Greece. Romania ranked third with 75,600 trips, followed by Serbia (68,700), Germany (49,200), and North Macedonia (27,700). Other popular destinations included Austria (23,200), Italy (21,300), the United Kingdom (20,000), and Spain (14,900).

Most Bulgarians traveling abroad in December did so for personal reasons (44.8 percent), while 34.9 percent cited vacation or leisure as their primary reason. Business trips accounted for 20.3 percent of outbound travel.

Bulgaria sees increased arrivals 

Greece – Bulgaria borders.

Bulgaria also recorded an increase in foreign arrivals, with 833,300 trips made to the country in December, reflecting a 6.1 percent rise compared to December 2023.

The highest number of visitors came from Romania (162,300), followed by Turkey (161,000), Greece (134,600), Ukraine (50,800), Serbia (46,900), Germany (44,800), North Macedonia (35,100), Italy (23,600), Austria (15,000), and the United Kingdom (14,800).

Tourism and leisure were the primary reasons for travel to Bulgaria, accounting for 32.9 percent of all visits. Business-related travel made up 13.8 percent, while 53.3 percent of visitors arrived for other purposes, including cultural and sporting events.

According to the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria, the figures refer to the number of trips, not individual travelers, meaning that a single person may have been counted multiple times if they traveled more than once.

The data released by the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria shows that the country’s tourism industry is showing steady signs of recovery after a period of decline. Looking ahead to 2025, the upward trend in both outbound and inbound travel is expected to continue.