UN Tourism releases investment guidelines for Bulgaria

UN Tourism has officially launched Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Bulgaria, a comprehensive set of guidelines outlining the opportunities available to investors in the country’s tourism sector.

The publication coincides with a new investment cycle for Bulgarian tourism, supported by macroeconomic predictability, full EU integration, strong tourism performance, and a diversified asset base. The guidelines were presented to Bulgaria’s outgoing Minister of Tourism H.E. Miroslav Borshos during his official visit to the UN Tourism headquarters in Madrid.

Presenting the guidelines, UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais said: “Bulgaria stands out thanks to the huge diversity of its tourism sector. From cultural heritage and nature-based destinations to spa, urban, and year-round tourism – it is one of Europe’s most exciting destinations. And it offers so much more to investors. As our new Guidelines make clear, it shows a commitment to transparency, and competitiveness, supported by a stable fiscal framework and strong European integration.”

Bulgaria’s tourism offering includes cultural heritage and nature-based destinations, spa and wellness tourism, urban travel, and year-round tourism products. The country has positioned itself as a destination with reduced permitting complexity, project de-risking mechanisms, and improved predictability for returns on investment.

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The country is promoted as a year-round destination, combining sun and beach tourism, including 25 Blue Flag beaches, winter tourism, and a strong position in wellness and cultural and heritage travel, supported by 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Bulgaria provides potential investors with data and analysis on market opportunities, as well as investment regulations and processes. According to the publication, Bulgaria welcomed a record 13.3 million international visitors in 2024, exceeding 2019 levels by 5.6%.

Domestic tourism spending reached 1.14 billion euros in 2024, representing an increase of 89% compared with 2019. International tourism receipts totalled USD 4.3 billion in 2024, with 2025 continuing an upward trajectory.

The guidelines also note increasing investment by international hotel groups, including Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, Melia, Radisson, IHG, and Accor, through rebranding initiatives and new developments in destinations such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Albena, Burgas, and Obzor.

Pipeline developments referenced in the publication include projects such as the Marriott I Tower and the anticipated entry of luxury brands, including Nobu, highlighting ongoing activity in Bulgaria’s premium tourism segment.

The article UN Tourism releases investment guidelines for Bulgaria first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

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