site.btaSofia Reports 90% Growth in Number of Foreign Visitors in 2022 Compared to Previous Year

Speaking on the Bulgarian National Radio on Saturday, the head of the Sofia Municipal Company for Tourism, Ivo Marinov, reported a 90% growth in number of foreign tourists visiting Sofia in 2022, compared to 2021, and an increase of 26% of visits by Bulgarian tourists. 

The average length of stay of foreign tourists in the city is almost three days, and 2.3 days of Bulgarian visitors. The majority of foreign visitors come from Germany, Israel, Romania, Italy, Britain, and Spain.

In Marinov's words, Sofia tourism is recovering and is expected to regain its pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year, however provided no new coronavirus restrictions are introduced. 

Marinov singled out two things that can boost tourism further: full restoration of air services and specially developed tourist products such as ready itineraries that do not require tour operator services. 

To this end, special maps are being developed such as The Birds of Sofia map which helps visitors observe 250 bird species in three city parks, a wine map, a map of street art, which features 20 professional graffiti works. Work is also underway on maps of Sofia's post-1945 architectural heritage, of century-old trees and of craft beers.

Talks are underway with a low-cost airline and the Sofia Airport for promotional campaigns advertising Sofia as a tourist destination.