Bulgaria expects a total of 5.6 million foreigner tourists to visit in 2007, 8.2 per cent more than the figure for 2006, according to analysis conducted in February by the Institute for Analyses and Assessments in Tourism and released on February 27 by the National Tourism Board. A total of 1 620 000 tourists are expected to spend their summer vacations in Bulgaria. Of these, 1920 will come for business purposes and 412 000 to visit friends and relatives. Two hundred thousand twelve people will visit Bulgarian winter resorts, 190 000 will enjoy rural and green tourism, 178 000 spa tourism, and 220 000 health, religious or other types of tourism. Eight hundred thousand eighty tourists will visit the country for shopping or on one-day trips.

In the period 1997-2007, investments in hotels, restaurants, guest houses and infrastructure amounted to more than 16 000 million euro. Revenue from international tourism in the same period exceeded 12 800 million euro, according to central bank data.

Tourism inside the country is expected to increase as well. In 2007, local trips by Bulgarians will reach about 14.9 million, two thirds of which will be for business purposes. Trips by Bulgarians abroad are also expected to grow. Tens of thousands of Bulgarians visited neighbouring Greece and Romania at the beginning of 2007, the National Tourism Board said. It stated that the free movement of people in the EU will increase, especially by young Bulgarians. More than 3 350 000 locals are expected to make trips abroad in 2007.

The analysis also indicates Bulgaria will be among the countries offering the lowest prices for package tours. At early 2007, revenue per available room (REV PAR) fell to 10.80 euro for three-star hotels at the Black Sea. REV PAR for three-star hotels at the Black Sea has been going down, from 24.60 euro per room in 2001 to 11.60 euro in 2006. Nevertheless, more than 35 000 new beds went on the market last year, increasing the total number to 365 000. According to the analysis, growing supply, which in certain areas of the Black Sea coast outstrips demand, reduces REV PAR. This trend could have negative impact on investors and building contractors.

For now, the mountain resorts offering skiing holidays, summer trekking, festival and convention tourism have a relatively more stable REV PAR. Highest is for three-star hotels in Bansko, at 20.60 euro. REV PAR of city hotels mostly offering business, convention, incentive and year-round cultural tourism remains favourable. For four years in a row, four-star hotels in Sofia have maintained REV PAR in the 73 to 76 euro range, which is the same as similar hotels in Paris.