Burgas

Burgas operates as Bulgaria's second Black Sea port and southeastern industrial anchor. LUKOIL Neftochim Burgas is the largest oil refinery in southeastern Europe; the fishing industry centers here; the port now accepts 260-meter vessels after recent deepening projects. With 210,646 residents, the city ranks as Bulgaria's fourth largest and the region's economic engine.

The 2025 summer tourism season demonstrated post-pandemic recovery dynamics. Overnight stays in the region reached 8.4 million (May-August), matching 2019 levels. Revenue hit BGN 837 million—20% above 2024, 78% above 2019. Yet visitor origins shifted: Poland overtook the UK as the leading source market, with both countries accounting for 44% of Burgas Airport traffic. The German market surged 51% from 2024, its best result since COVID. The bed base grew 7% year-on-year, reflecting investment confidence.

Bulgaria's January 1, 2025 full Schengen integration accelerates the trajectory. Tourism is projected to contribute 8.4% to national GDP in 2025, supporting 333,000 jobs. The October 2025 Black Sea 2030 Forum, hosted by Burgas, positioned the city as a hub for sustainable development, eco-tourism, and green economy practices despite geopolitical instability in the northwestern Black Sea (Ukraine conflict). Mayor Dimitar Nikolov's vision of transforming Burgas into an innovation and science center acknowledges the reality: oil refining and beach tourism are mature industries. The next growth phase requires diversification into higher-value activities while maintaining the port and industrial base that fund current prosperity.