There is a strong interest of Serbs in short trips to Bulgaria. This shows the Bulgarian stand during the international exhibition Belgrade Tourism Fair (IFT), which was held in Belgrade, Serbia from 23 to 26 February 2017. There is a higher demand for SPA tourism, cultural and historical tours and ski tourism during weekends and holidays. Bansko and Borovets are most preferred in the winter.
Serbs usually come with their own transport or in organised groups by buses. Traditionally they are interested in the Black Sea resorts in the summer. They prefer the South Black Sea – Sozopol, Kiten, Nessebar, Primorsko, Ahtopol, etc.
In 2016 there was an 8% growth of Serbian tourists in Bulgaria compared with the previous year and their number exceeds 370,000. Serbia ranks seventh as a target market for Bulgarian tourism.
Bulgaria was presented in the exhibition with a stand of 100 sq.m. and the following participants: the Ministry of Tourism, municipalities – Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Ruse, and four companies. IFT Belgrade is the biggest tourist event in Serbia, which is organized for the 39th time. It hosts 1,100 exhibitors, including over 300 foreign ones from 55 countries.
