Easter Travel 2025: More Than 400,000 Bulgarians on the Road for the First Time Under the Schengen Agreement

This year, Bulgarians can expect a veritable wave of holiday travel: according to preliminary estimates, over 400,000 people plan to travel both domestically and internationally during Easter. These will be the first large-scale travel under the Schengen Agreement, which Bulgaria partially joined on March 31, 2024.

According to the Institute for Tourism Analysis and Evaluation, approximately 300,000 Bulgarians will choose domestic destinations, preferring resorts, spa hotels, and family-run guesthouses. Another 120,000 travelers will travel abroad, the institute's director, Rumen Draganov, reported on NOVA.

Prices and tourist sentiment

The average cost of an overnight stay in Bulgarian hotels during the holidays is around 200 leva (approximately 100 euros). According to the expert, Bulgaria remains attractive to foreign tourists due to its price-quality ratio.

«"Our goal is for tourists to feel like winners," Draganov emphasized, speaking about the industry's commitment to providing excellent service at a reasonable price.

Schengen opens new horizons

Bulgaria's partial accession to the Schengen Area is expected to have a positive impact on tourism. Simplified border controls for air and sea travel are already stimulating interest in Bulgaria among neighboring European countries.

Taking this factor into account, the tourism industry hopes for an increase in the number of guests not only during the holidays, but throughout the summer season.