Russian tourist numbers in Bulgaria up 34% y/y by mid-Sept – econ min

The figure was released following a meeting between Bulgarian deputy energy minister Ivo Marinov and the chairman of Russia’s federal tourism agency, Alexander Radkov, which took place at the international tourism fair Leisure in Russia, the ministry said in a statement.

In 2012, Bulgaria expects a growth of 6.0% to 8.0% in foreign tourist arrivals with the number of visitors from Russia alone expected to rise 20%.

Tourism services generate 15% of Bulgaria's gross domestic product, according to economy ministry data.