Expert Predicts 20% Growth in Bulgarian Tourists in Greece by end-2014

Bulgaria expects a 20% growth in the number of Bulgarian tourists in Greece by end-2014, according to the Institute for Analysis and Assessment of Tourism.

In 2013, a total of 970 000 Bulgarian tourists visited Greece, and the number is expected to reach 1.2 million by end-2014, according to Rumen Draganov, Director of the Institute, as cited by investor.bg.

He said that 2014 was witnessing a boom in overseas travels of Bulgarians, especially trips to Greece, adding that Bulgaria's National Statistical Institute (NSI) had announced a 34.6% y/y growth in the number of these trips in Q2, 2014.

Draganov said that there were several reasons for the trend, including the opening of the Makaza border crossing point, which had facilitated access to the Aegean Sea substantially.

He suggested that the opportunity to find accommodation on the spot without making bookings in advance was also among the reasons for Bulgarians to pick Greece as their destination for the summer holidays or for short weekend travels.

The expert underscored that Bulgaria's Black Sea resorts made bookings well in advance and the hotels started accepting reservations in the previous year.

Draganov said that the price of holidays in Greece was not such a decisive factor for choosing a holiday destination compared to the quality of service.

He also noted that Greek hotels and other accommodation sites had a good marketing policy, stressing that in Bulgaria there were many guest houses along the southern Black Sea coast with no advertisements.