Bulgaria’s Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Bulgaria, H.E. Mehmet Sait Uyanık, on 10 July 2026 to discuss measures to increase tourist exchange between the two countries.
According to a statement from the Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism, Dimitrov said: “We are working on specific solutions that will facilitate the issuance of visas and bring more Turkish tourists to Bulgaria.” He indicated that actions are being taken to increase the capacity of consular services and that possibilities for a simplified procedure for Turkish citizens who have already received visas are also being discussed.
“Turkey is among the countries best connected to Bulgaria. The proximity between the two countries allows for easy travel by car, and if we ease the visa process, we can significantly increase tourist exchange,” Dimitrov added.
Ambassador Uyanık described tourism as one of the strongest bridges between the two peoples. He noted that in 2025, about 3 million Bulgarians visited Turkey, ranking Bulgaria among the top five source markets for Turkish tourism. Since the beginning of 2026, the number of trips by Bulgarian citizens to Turkey has already reached around 1.2 million.
“Bulgaria has enormous potential. SPA tourism is an area in which the country is extremely strong, and Bansko and Borovets are already very popular among Turkish tourists,” Uyanık said. He emphasized that more flexibility in issuing visas will encourage Turkish citizens to visit Bulgaria more often and discover its winter, balneology and SPA destinations.
The Ministry of Tourism plans to organize a visit for Turkish tour operators during the winter season so they can see firsthand the opportunities offered by Bansko and Borovets. Minister Dimitrov also extended an invitation to the ambassador to participate in the initiative.
Why it matters
The discussions highlight the growing importance of bilateral tourism between Bulgaria and Turkey, two neighbouring markets with strong travel links. With nearly 1.2 million Bulgarian trips to Turkey already recorded in the first half of 2026, and Turkish interest in Bulgarian winter and SPA destinations rising, visa facilitation could unlock further growth. For tour operators and DMCs in both countries, a simplified visa process would reduce barriers for Turkish tourists, potentially boosting demand for Bulgaria’s ski resorts and wellness facilities. The planned familiarisation trip for Turkish tour operators signals a targeted effort to convert interest into bookings, which could help Bulgaria extend its tourist season beyond the summer months.
