Sofia becomes a preferred destination: nearly 670 thousand tourists in the first half of the year

Sofia is demonstrating resilience in the tourism sector, while the rest of the country reports a decline in visits. In the first half of 2026, the capital welcomed nearly 670 thousand tourists, which is 3% more compared to the same period last year.

Data provided by the Municipal Enterprise "Tourism" (Visit Sofia) based on the ESTI system shows that the city is no longer just a transit point. The average stay of visitors has exceeded 2.3 days, and the number of overnight stays has increased by 4%, reaching over 1.5 million.

The change in the structure of the tourist flow is interesting. The most notable surges are observed in the US market, where the number of guests has grown by an impressive 68%. A steady growth of 5% was also recorded among visitors from the United Kingdom.

The positive dynamics are also supported by the city's airport. Passenger traffic at Sofia Airport has jumped by 7%, and direct air connectivity now covers 107 destinations. This makes the capital increasingly accessible to international travelers seeking a combination of culture, business opportunities, and urban dynamics.