Bulgarians’ Trips Abroad and Foreigners’ Visiting Bulgaria Mark Increase in January

Jerusalem, 27 February, 2024 (TPS) -- OFIA (BTA)
The trips of Bulgarians abroad and the visits of foreigners to Bulgaria in January marked growth on an annual basis and exceeded the level of 2019, but had a slight decrease month to month, show data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI).

The trips of Bulgarian citizens abroad in January 2024 were 537.5 thousand, or 6.6% more than in January 2023, the NSI said on Monday. An increase in trips for the following purposes was registered: other – by 11.6%, rest and excursion – by 5.6%, while those for business purposes decreased by 1.9%.

In January 2024, the number of visits by foreign citizens to Bulgaria was 741.3 thousand, or 4.1% more compared to the same month of the previous year. An increase in trips was registered for all observed purposes – rest and excursion, business and other purposes. Transit crossings through the country were 32.6% (241.9 thousand) of all visits by foreign citizens to Bulgaria.

NSI data show that the trips of Bulgarians abroad in December 2023 were 649.1 thousand or 7.3% more than in December 2022, and the visits of foreigners to Bulgaria were 785.4 thousand or 3.1% more compared to the same month of the previous year.

The trips of Bulgarian citizens abroad in January 2019 were 402.3 thousand, or 3.8% more than those registered in January 2018, and the visits of foreigners to Bulgaria were 554.3 thousand, or 1.9% more compared to January 2018.