Tourism

Tourism is one of the key sectors in Bulgaria due to the excellent geographical location, remarkably rich nature  divers relief and moderate continental climate. Mountains, valleys, woods, vineyards, lakes, the rivers, the sea - eye is pleased.
During the last three years Bulgarian tourism has been advancing progressively. According to statistic data, the number of foreign tourists who visited Bulgaria in 2001 is over 2.7 million (a 17.6 % increase in comparison to 2000). In 2002 another 10% was added to that number. 

The Black Sea Coast offers an attractive seaside holiday for rest and recreation. The sunshine record is exceptional - nearly 300 days of sunshine the yearly average. The tourists enjoy  opportunities for climate and balneo-treatment, yachting, surfing, water skiing, diving, underwater fishing, other aquatic sports and diverse types of entertainment. There are special places, which combine sea tourism with active tourism. In addition, opportunities for hiking, cycling, riding, photo-tourism, Eco-tourism, and  excursions to natural, archeological and cultural places of interest abound.

Mountains: Rila, Pirin, the Rhodopes and the Balkan Mountains offer wonderful possibilities for skiing and mountain tourism. The international resorts of Pamporovo , Borovets and Bansko allows one to enjoy some of the best skiing in Europe.

Bulgaria has more than 600 hot, warm and cold mineral springs of varied physical and chemical contents, mineralization, curative gases, biologically active trace elements, temperature and curative properties that create excellent conditions for development of balneology tourism. A number of hotels with state-of-the-ar equipment and skilled staff offer talasso-therapy, pearl baths, underwater massage, phyto-therapy, curative mud, inhalations, manual therapy, paraffin treatment, acupuncture, helio-prophylaxis, ozone and oxygen therapy, slimming procedures, balneo-cosmetics, etc.

Bulgaria has over 30.000 historical monumets from different historical epochs, 36 culture reserves, 330 museums and galleries all of which form an impressive base for the development of cultural tourism.

A network of three national and nine nature parks, a number of reserves and natural places are significant for the development of Ecological country . Ecological routes offer special itineraries across exceptionally  beautiful landscapes, including a system of facilities for reaching the most inaccessible beauty spots: gorges, steep rocks, and waterfalls.

Many Bulgarian villages, located in environmentally clean regions, have preserved their traditional outlook and genuine atmosphere for developing rural tourism. They are ready to open their hospitable doors to those willing to share the rich traditions and folklore, agricultural activities, preserved old crafts, and delicious and varied  local cuisine. The hunting tourism in Bulgaria relies on the wide variety of game: red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, wild goat, bear, boar, grouse, hare, partridge, pheasant and many others. Bulgaria ranks second in the world in terms of the quality of shot trophies.

As one can see, Bulgaria presents various activities to meet everyone’s needs.