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According to Bulgaria’s tourism minister, 4.5 million foreign tourists visited the country during the summer season, 3.3% fewer than a year earlier. The number of guests from Russia and Ukraine fell by 25% this year.
The minister said that early booking data suggested tourist numbers could rise by 5–7% during the winter season.
Optimistic forecasts also remain for summer 2016, preparations for which began in May 2015. Particular efforts are being made to encourage Russian holidaymakers. Measures under consideration include simpler visa procedures, more visa centres, lower visa costs and a wider range of people eligible for free visas.
The minister noted that summer tourism accounts for 70% of holidaymakers, winter holidays attract 20%, and the remaining 10% are interested in other types of tourism.
Source: Novinite.com
