Middle East War Could Boost Bulgaria’s Tourism, Forum Experts Say

Jerusalem, 12 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Varna (BTA) – Due to the crisis in the Middle East, many tourists may prefer to vacation in Bulgaria, said Georgi Duchev in Varna, head of the company organizing the Hospitality & Tourism Summit – HTS 2026 forum, which is being held in the seaside city. For the third consecutive year, the meeting brings together hoteliers, tour operators, representatives of local authorities and industry organizations to outline the upcoming summer season.

“In fact, things are currently in a state of flux, so to speak, there are too many unknowns,” Duchev pointed out.

According to him, the attitudes for the season are generally positive, but this could change both due to the aggravation of the international situation and the increase in fuel prices, which will inevitably lead to an increase in the prices of food, drinks, and services. “The problem is that reservations have already been agreed and hoteliers do not have a large margin,” Duchev said.

He said that many Europeans worried about traveling to conflict regions would turn to Bulgaria and called on for advertising efforts in neighboring countries, Eastern and Central Europe, emphasizing that Bulgaria is a safe destination offering quality services.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Pavlin Petrov also emphasized Bulgaria’s stability as a tourist destination at the opening of the forum. According to him, although Bulgaria holds a serious position as a tourist destination, the state needs to resolve challenges in the field of infrastructure and transport connectivity.

Petrov also said that clear messages should be sent to Bulgarian youth stressing that tourism is a sector in which they can develop and build their future.