Bulgarian Tourism Minister Dr. Ilin Dimitrov has outlined concrete steps to increase tourist numbers from Romania, Germany, and Poland. Key discussions centered around better connectivity, stronger market presence, and improved positioning. Minister Dimitrov met with Bulgarian tourism attachés in Poland and Germany and with Bulgarian Ambassador to Romania, Radko Vlaykov, to discuss current trends, additional flight opportunities, regional competition, and specific measures to enhance Bulgaria's market position.

“I want to hear the real picture of each market and act in time. Bulgarian tourism needs results, and results come from work, consistency, and less talk,” Minister Dimitrov emphasized.

Data shows diverse dynamics across the three markets. Romania remains a core market for Bulgaria, Germany is showing growth compared to 2024, and Poland is giving a promising signal at the start of 2026. Discussions included the impact of the failure of tour operator "Electra" in Germany and the potential for compensating lost capacity this season. Talks with partners for additional flights, including with ICC as a consolidator of charter programs, are planned. From May 14 to September 26, 255 flights are scheduled from four German airports to Varna and Burgas, with the potential to bring around 46,000 tourists. In 2025, Germany registered 306,537 tourists in accommodation, a 24.3% increase from 2024, but still below 2019 levels. Minister Dimitrov sees opportunities for the 2026 season but stresses the need for better risk assessment for the 2027 season.

Poland was identified as a market with significant growth potential, particularly with clearer representation of Bulgaria following full accession to Schengen and more active communication with tour operators, airlines, and media. In 2025, Polish tourist registrations were 266,415, a 1.2% decrease from 2024, but the first months of 2026 show a much better outlook with registrations from January to March at 8,532, a 61.3% increase from the same period last year. Discussions also covered using good air connectivity, with 21 weekly flights from four Polish airports to Sofia. The goal is to position Bulgaria not just as a beach destination but as a nearby, accessible, and secure country for year-round travel.

Romania remains one of Bulgaria's strongest markets, with 984,092 tourist registrations in 2025, an 8.5% increase from 2024 and 51.2% above 2019 levels. Minister Dimitrov discussed measures with Ambassador Radko Vlaykov to strengthen the Bulgarian market through road shows in Bucharest, meetings with specialized tourism journalists and influencers, and developing joint routes for tourists from distant markets. Minister Dimitrov stated he would work towards establishing a tourism attaché in Romania, as it is a strategic market for Bulgaria in the long term. “We have the opportunity to develop joint routes, work more actively with media and business, and attract more tourists in both directions. This is potential we need to use much better,” he noted.