Bulgaria's medieval capital Veliko Turnovo, the alpine resort town of Bansko and the spa resorts of Velingrad and Sandanski were the most popular tourist destinations in the country over the winter holidays period, Dnevnik daily reported on January 4 2009.

Bansko wrapped up the most vists, which was only natural as the resort also possesses the largest bed capacity with its numerous hotels, Blagoi Ragin from the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association (BHRA) was quoted as saying.

"Bansko and Turnovo demonstrated very good results with over five thousand tourists accounted for in both places, which is a significant achievement for cultural tourism," Ragin told Dnevnik.

According to statistics from BHRA quoted by Dnevnik, Velingrad accounted for the highest prices of all resorts. "In spite of that, the resort was packed to capacity, which is testimonial for quality service".

Polling agency Alfa Research had conducted a survey prior to the festive period, which showed that 81 per cent of Bulgarians planned to celebrate New Year's Eve at home, while 10 per cent would visit friends or relatives. These statistics were in line with the trend from the previous three years, Dnevnik said.

Winter resorts across Bulgaria however were reeling from the unexpected warm weather that descended on the country over the holiday period, affecting the number of tourists that resorts such as Pamporovo were hoping to attract, amongst others.

Most tourists that spent New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Pamporovo left the resort early, although majority of tourists had contemplated to stay until January 3.