Bulgaria: empty hotels and visa delays hit Sunny Beach resort before summer

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria’s largest seaside resort, is heading into the summer season facing significant operational challenges, with many hotels still closed and those already open struggling with severe staff shortages just days before the first expected tourist arrivals. Industry representatives said that the sector continued to be hit by a shrinking season and growing difficulties…

Bulgaria: wages up in Q1 2026

The average gross monthly salary in Bulgaria reached 1,407 euros in the first quarter of 2026, according to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The figures indicate continued wage growth across the economy, with an increase of 2.8% compared to the previous quarter and a year-on-year rise of 12.7%. On a monthly basis,…

Bulgaria: rising airfare costs raise concerns over summer tourism season on Black Sea coast

The summer tourist season has started on Bulgaria’s Southern Black Sea coast, with Sunny Beach already seeing strong early occupancy. Some hotels in the resort complex began operating at the end of April and are reporting full capacity, yet industry representatives are warning that rising travel costs, particularly airfares, are beginning to reshape booking patterns…

Bulgaria: employers push to end extended holidays

Bulgaria’s employers’ organization, the Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria (AIKB), has taken a firm stance against the current practice of extending public holidays when they fall on weekends, arguing that the system generates significant economic losses and should be reconsidered. According to the group, Bulgaria will observe 12 official public holidays in 2026, all…