UN Tourism's new investment guidelines showcase Bulgaria's record 13.3 million visitors in 2024 and major brand commitments from Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton.
The AI-powered platform analyzed 500,000+ reviews across 1,200+ Bulgarian hotels and successfully piloted in Paris with 800,000+ reviews.
The UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism took place in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on 6–7 October 2025. Under the theme “The Art of Wine Tourism”, the event explored the synergies between wine tourism, art, and culture, showcasing its role as a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and regional development.
The tenth anniversary edition of Bulgaria’s largest hospitality conference, the Hotel & Tourism Investment Forum – HTIF 2025, is expected to see an impressive turnout of over 600 hotel owners and executives from all over the country on October 14-15 at the National Palace of Culture (NDK) in Sofia. The event will also be attended by tour operators, representatives of hotel brands, educational institutions, the state and municipal administration, industry vendors and official guests.
Located in one of Eastern Europe's most popular seaside destinations—the 397-room adults-only hotel offers a vibrant all-inclusive experience on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast.
The UN Tourism official visit, led by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, was welcomed by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov for an official visit that included high-level meetings with the Ministries of Tourism and Foreign Affairs. Meetings focused on how UN Tourism can support the further growth and diversification of Bulgaria’s tourism sector, most notably through the development of cultural, culinary and wine tourism. In an official meeting with President Rumen Radev, both parties focused on supporting tourism education and growing investment into the sector, with UN Tourism committed to publishing guidelines for international investors.
According to guest evaluations, the best hotel in Bulgaria for 2024 is the five-star Voya Beach Resort in Sveti Vlas, closely followed by Kashmir Wellness and Spa (Velingrad) and the Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia.
Mercure, a leading brand within the Accor group, today announces the opening of Mercure Sofia City, the brand's first hotel in Bulgaria. Located in the vibrant Manastirski Livadi district, one of the most sought-after areas of the capital, the hotel offers convenient access to the National Museum of History and Vitosha National Park.
Hotel & Tourism Investment Forum – HTIF 2024, the most influential hospitality conference in Bulgaria and one of the most visited in Europe will cover a broad range of topics, including sustainable hospitality investments and operations, strategic management, digitalization, revenue management, and human resources.
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, today announces the upcoming opening of Mercure Sofia, the first hotel under the midscale brand in Bulgaria. Expected to open in the autumn of 2024, the new hotel will be located in Manastirski Livadi one of the most sought-after areas of the capital. The hotel boasts convenient access to various landmarks and attractions in the city, offering guests the opportunity to discover Bulgarian culture.
Nobu Hospitality, the renowned luxury lifestyle and iconic hotel, dining, and residence brand, is excited to announce the development of two exceptional properties in Bulgaria - Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Sofia and Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Varna. These properties, owned by BSPF Bulgaria EAD and GHV-Dolphins EAD are set to make a significant mark in the Balkans.
Nobu Hospitality, the renowned luxury lifestyle and iconic hotel, dining, and residence brand, is excited to announce the development of two exceptional properties in Bulgaria - Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Sofia and Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Varna. These properties, owned by BSPF Bulgaria EAD and GHV-Dolphins EAD are set to make a significant mark in the Balkans.
Nobu Hospitality, the renowned luxury lifestyle and iconic hotel, dining, and residence brand, is excited to announce the development of two exceptional properties in Bulgaria - Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Sofia and Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Varna. These properties, owned by BSPF Bulgaria EAD and GHV-Dolphins EAD are set to make a significant mark in the Balkans.
Speaking at a panel session at the Hyatt Regency Pravets Resort in Bulgaria today, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) President & CEO Julia Simpson revealed that the WTTC 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today forecasts that 10% of the Bulgarian economy will come from Travel & Tourism by 2033.
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has signed Holiday Inn Express Sofia Airport in partnership with Hotel Express Sofia Airport OOD, which further expands the company’s European estate, following a recent flurry of signings across a number of brands.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the openings of Secrets Sunny Beach Resort & Spa, Dreams Sunny Beach Resort & Spa, AluaSun Helios Beach, and Alua Helios Bay, representing the entry of the Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt, into a third European country, complimenting the existing presence of Hyatt’s all-inclusive resort brands in Spain and Greece. The four resorts are now bookable through Hyatt channels, and World of Hyatt members may earn and redeem points at the new Bulgarian properties.
INTELITY®, provider of hospitality’s leading guest experience and staff operations platform, announced today a new deal with The WorkNomads Lab Hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria. The newly opened, mixed-use hotel will implement INTELITY’s mobile offerings, including a branded mobile app, mobile check-in, mobile key, and GEMS®, Guest Experience Management System — INTELITY’s suite of staff-facing tools.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced plans to expand Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection – a new global portfolio of distinct luxury all-inclusive resort brands – with five all-inclusive resorts in Bulgaria. Less than one year since the acquisition of Apple Leisure Group, a leading resort brand management platform, Hyatt continues to strengthen its leadership position in the luxury all-inclusive category. The planned expansion further demonstrates the strength and reputation of Hyatt’s all-inclusive brands as they grow in new markets outside of the Americas to attract diverse groups of travelers seeking immersive all-inclusive resort experiences.
This spring, The Emporium Plovdiv - MGallery will welcome its first guests as part of the iconic Accor hotel collection in Bulgaria. A historic building reborn with artistic design, smart technologies and distinctive stories, the hotel invites guests from all over the world to discover Plovdiv - Europe's cultural capital of 2019.
Bulgarian software developer Sirma Group Holding [BUL:SGH] said on Tuesday that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 80% of local peer Sciant after it was granted regulatory clearance on the deal.