Tourist numbers drop in Bulgaria

Bulgaria experienced a sharp decline in visitor numbers from overseas in November 2009 according to figures released by the National Statistical Office.

The number of arrivals from abroad dropped 8.9 per cent year-on-year to 338 800 in November, compared to a 2.6 per cent fall the previous month.

Visitors from Ireland fell 34.6 per cent in November 2009, while visitors from Italy fell 25.1 per cent. Arrivals from Spain, on the other hand, increased 10.1 per cent, while arrivals from Poland grew 9.3 per cent.

Meanwhile, the number of trips made by Bulgarians abroad fell 21.8 per cent to 295 700 in November 2009.