In the first quarter of 2025, Sofia was visited by just over 280 thousand tourists, which is a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024, BNR reported.
The number of overnight stays was nearly 630 thousand, a 4% increase compared to the previous year, according to data from the Unified Tourist Information System (ESTI). This was announced by the OP "Tourism".
"The growth of tourists in Sofia shows the development of the capital as a preferred and European tourist destination with its cultural and historical heritage, with a combination of traditions and modernity," said the Deputy Mayor for European Policies, International Activities and Tourism Nikola Barbutov.
A total of 57% of visitors are foreigners, 43% are from Bulgaria.
The most tourists came from Italy, Greece, Israel, Turkey, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Romania, the USA, France.
A significant growth was observed in tourists from Greece - an increase of 21% and China - 63% compared to 2024.
There was also an increase in the number of tourists arriving from Israel – 144% more compared to the same period in 2024 and 40% compared to 2023.
In order to get to know the opportunities for tourism, Sofia was visited these days by a delegation of 25 tour operators from Germany and Austria.
During their stay, the guests got to know both the historical heritage of the city, including the Boyana Church, a UNESCO site, culture, parks, and the hotel base of the capital. They held meetings with representatives of the tourism sector, the Sofia Municipality reported. The tour operators also touched one of the most sacred places in southwestern Bulgaria - the Rila Monastery, also part of the world cultural heritage.
It is expected that Sofia will be visited again by foreign tour operators in July 2025.