Bulgaria could see a major increase in foreign tourists by 2030 under a three-year memorandum signed between the Ministry of Tourism and one of Europe’s largest tourism companies, with the agreement providing for a longer tourist season and new tourism products.

Ivan Groshev, Chairman of the Association of Incoming Agencies, told Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) that the involvement of Europe’s largest tour operator group could encourage other companies to focus on Bulgaria.

"Europe's largest tour operator group is making Bulgaria a strategic priority. It sets the trends. There is a very high probability that other players will follow suit and turn their attention to our country," Groshev said.

Groshev said Bulgarian airports should be able to handle a larger volume of tourists, while hotels have the capacity to accommodate the expected increase.

He nevertheless stressed that tourism is a comprehensive service in which infrastructure is an important element.

"And that is where we are lagging behind," Groshev said.

He also said there was room to better match the quality of the tourism product with its price while appearing on the "Predi Vsichki" (Before Everyone Else) program.

Groshev addressed expectations for higher prices in the tourism sector as well.

"Prices are not rising at the same rate across different establishments. Hotels are also under pressure from the international market; they cannot exceed a certain price ceiling. Increases in Bulgaria are within normal limits, or even below them. The hike in hotel rates for next year is in the range of 6% to 10%. We are referring to contracts with major tour operators," he said.