Latest data and numbers, related to tourism in Germany were presented on March 27^th in Sofia, at a press conference of the DZT German National Tourist Board, as well as curious info on the number of Bulgarian tourists that visited the country in 2017.

Marketing and Sales Manager of the DZT Regional Bureau for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Romania and Serbia Cristian Sallai was the one who presented the information. The hosts bragged on their 8^th record high result in a row – 83.9 mln. nights spent in hotels by foreign tourists per year. Nearly ¾ of those were generated by European states. The Bulgarian citizens also have their contribution to the positive result of German tourism.

Nearly half a million /471,000/ nights were spent by Bulgarian citizens in Germany over 2017. 51% of the trips were business ones, 31% were holiday voyages and 25% were personal visits of friends or relatives. 53% of those were carried out by plane, 26% by bus and 21% by car. 51% of the Bulgarian travelers were aged 15 – 34, followed by the over-55 age group /33%/.

The Bulgarians showed the greatest interest towards urban tourism and guided tours at an average of 8 days spent in touring around. The normal sum spent for one visit was EUR 555 per capita.

Asked on the significance of the Bulgarian and Balkan market for German tourism and its further potential, Mr. Sallai responded in a most confirmative manner:

“We should mark the positive results of the last 5 years. Almost all Balkan states have doubled the number of nights spent. Countries like Bulgaria – nearly 500,000 nights, Romania (1 mln.) and Croatia play a significant role in this process. The Balkans have been developing rapidly in terms of economy. Of course, local people would love to see that process even more accelerated, but that is not always possible. Reality shows constant growth over the past years, which has pushed purchasing power up – hence people’s will to travel more.

One should bear in mind the strong development of the aviation industry in the region. Lots of new lines have been unveiled and people can quickly reach the desired destination. This development will continue over the next years too. I expect the positive trend to be kept for Bulgaria after this phenomenal 145 growth with voyages to Germany in 2017.”

Tourism is and will remain an important factor for integration, since it adds to pulling down barriers. Germany might serve as an example to Bulgaria and the other Balkan states on how a tourist destination is built up and how markets are conquered. We still have lots to learn.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev