The high economic growth of Bulgarian coastal city Varna in recent years placed it in second position in economic development.

From 350 000 people, the city’s population grew to more than half a million in recent years, according to data of regional police department quoted by Dnevnik daily.

The figure is for the winter season, in the summer the population in Varna doubles.

The sea is one of the main factors that positively influenced the city’s economic development.

The international airport in Varna doubled its capacity in the past year after it opened its new terminal five. The construction of the a second ned terminal is expected to be completed within two years.

According to data from the Varna municipality, the city had attracted more than $1.046 billion for the past six years.

Five of the largest Bulgarian resorts are located near Varna; Zlatni Pyasatsi (Golden Sands), St. Konstantin and Elena, Riviera, Slunchev Den (Sunny Day) and Kamchya.

In contrast to the resorts at the southern Black Sea coast, Zlatni Pyasatsi and St. Konstantin and Elena managed to avoid over development. The resorts kept their potential to develop tourism products in higher price segments.