MICE Tourism in Bulgaria

Bulgaria occupies a strategic location at the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, at the crossroads of three continents, and has four international airports, so the country is no more than two hours by plane from most European capitals and their large international airports with scheduled flights to destinations around the world. These advantages, together with the growing number of three, four, and five-star hotels in the large city centers, along the Black Sea coast, and at the mountain resorts, make the country more and more attractive for congress tourism.

Particularly suitable conditions for congress tourism are offered in Sofia, the nation’s capital. There are numerous hotels with suitable conference halls, as well as congress centers, such as the National Palace of Culture and the INTER EXPO center. Almost all of the larger hotels can provide equipment for business meetings and seminars. In the city there are also many institutions of higher education that also offer facilities for such gatherings. Additional facilities are available at the Central Army Club, the Boyana Residence, the Universiada Hall, and in the recently completed multifunctional sports hall, the Sofia Armeets Arena. Participants in business meetings can also enjoy the varied possibilities for cultural tourism in the city, and facilities for mountain tourism at Vitosha are practically within the city limits. Those interested in rural tourism, ecotourism, and golf will also find opportunities almost on their doorstep.

The city of Plovdiv, located in the south central Bulgaria, is another excellent choice for congress tourism. Plovdiv not only hosts a variety of cultural events, but also attracts visitors interested in the city’s rich history, architecture, educational institutions, and research centers. The city is also justly famous for its international trade fairs.

The Black Sea resorts can offer a perfect combination of congress tourism, sea relaxation, and spa facilities. Many resorts at Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast provide facilities and accommodations year-round, such as those in the cities of Varna, Burgas, and Dobrich, and at the resort complexes at Albena, Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, St. Konstantin and St. Helena, Dyuni, St. Vlas, and Primorsko. The guests of resorts at the northern Bulgaria’s Black Sea resorts also have the option of playing golf on some of the best courses in Europe.

The mountain resorts of Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo combine year-round, world-class facilities for hiking, skiing, and ecotourism with excellent venues for business-related events.

A wonderful combination of congress tourism and stays at fully-equipped spas are provided in the town of Kyustendil and at the spa resorts at Hisarya, Velingrad, Devin and Sandanski.

The Danube cities of Vidin and Ruse, as well as the cities of Montana and Pleven, also offer opportunities for congress forums. The former capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo, offers impressive halls for congresses and opportunities to explore the city’s many cultural monuments. Uniquely beautiful natural surroundings and excellent facilities for business meetings also recommend the cities of Vratsa, Sevlievo, Ribaritsa, Teteven and Troyan. In addition, there are fully equipped conference halls in the cities of Pazardzhik, Stara Zagora, Sliven, Dimitrovgrad, Haskovo, Yambol and Kazanlak.