The number of foreigners that have visited Bulgaria during the first six months has risen with 18% compared to the last year, data from the National Statistic Institute shows.

From the 3.193 million visitors 56.48% (1.803 million) were in the country on a holiday trip or excursion, and 27.86% (889 000) have passed directly.

212 000 people were in Bulgaria on a business trip and 40 000 were on a visit to friends.