Bulgarians are traveling abroad more than ever
Despite having the lowest average disposable income in the European Union, Bulgarians are increasingly joining their European peers in exploring the world. New data and industry insights show a clear shift: Bulgarians are traveling more frequently, staying longer, and looking beyond neighboring countries – with cruises and long-haul destinations firmly on their radar.
With Bulgaria now a full member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area, international mobility for Bulgarian travelers has never been easier. For destinations and tourism boards, this presents a timely opportunity to engage an emerging, motivated, and increasingly confident outbound market.
While Bulgaria continues to rank last in the EU in terms of average household disposable income, travel demand tells a different story. According to Bulgaria’s National Statistical Institute, outbound trips by Bulgarian citizens have been rising steadily year over year, driven by:
- Rising wages in urban centers such as Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna
- A growing middle class with strong travel aspirations
- Easier mobility due to Schengen membership
- Increased availability of low-cost flights and package deals
Industry interviews published by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) indicate that 2026 holidays abroad are expected to be longer and farther, with travelers increasingly willing to save specifically for travel experiences.
One of the strongest signals coming from the Bulgarian market is the growing interest in cruise travel. Mediterranean cruises, Caribbean itineraries, and even transatlantic routes are gaining traction, particularly among travelers aged 35–60.
Beyond cruises, Bulgarian travelers are also showing increased interest in Asia, the Middle East, and North America, especially when visa-free or simplified visa regimes apply.
Source: eturbonews.com