Varna region tourism, August 2026: fewer nights, higher revenue
Varna region hotels logged 1.38 million nights in August 2026, 3.6% fewer than a year earlier, while revenue rose 7.2% to €91.2 million, NSI says.
Varna region had a slightly quieter but more profitable August. According to the National Statistical Institute (NSI), accommodation with 10 or more beds recorded 1,382,500 nights in August 2026 — 3.6% fewer than a year earlier — while revenue from nights rose 7.2% to €91.2 million. The figures were published by NSI’s Varna office on 13 October 2026.
Key numbers for August 2026
| Indicator | August 2026 | Change vs Aug 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Open establishments | 379 | −3.3% |
| Beds | 63,100 | −1.4% |
| Nights spent | 1,382,500 | −3.6% |
| Guests | 310,200 | −2.7% |
| Bed occupancy | 70.3% | −1.6 pp |
| Revenue | €91.2 million | +7.2% |
Who were the guests?
Foreign visitors dominate: they made 1,134,500 nights and were 76.7% of all guests. Most of them (85.1%) stayed in 4- and 5-star hotels, on average 4.8 nights each. Bulgarians were more evenly spread: 43.5% of their nights were in 4–5-star places, 19% in 3-star and 37.5% in 1–2-star accommodation (NSI Varna).
Of the revenue, €79.1 million came from foreign guests and €12.1 million from Bulgarians. Occupancy was highest in 4- and 5-star hotels, at 81.5% (NSI Varna).
How does August compare with June and July?
The same pattern ran through the whole summer, according to NSI’s monthly releases for Varna region:
| Month | Nights | Change | Revenue | Change | Bed occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | 785,100 | −5.6% | €41.7 million | +4.7% | 43.3% |
| July 2026 | 1,323,200 | −2.6% | €83.3 million | +10.5% | 66.9% |
| August 2026 | 1,382,500 | −3.6% | €91.2 million | +7.2% | 70.3% |
In each of the three months, nights fell compared with 2025 while revenue rose.
What do the figures include?
NSI counts categorised hotels, campsites and other short-stay accommodation with 10 or more beds: holiday villages, hostels, guest houses, bungalows, rest homes, huts and private rooms and apartments. Revenue covers what guests paid for their nights, without extra services. Following Eurostat guidance, refugees from Ukraine are not included, the institute notes.
What does it mean?
The numbers show a familiar pattern for Varna’s coast: slightly fewer guests and nights, but higher spending per stay. Smart tourism and a 2035 vision for the city are on the agenda of the Black Sea Tourism Forum in Varna on 30–31 October. If you are planning a trip, see when to visit Varna for the season month by month.
All figures were checked against NSI’s press releases for June, July and August 2026.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Did fewer tourists come to Varna in August 2026?
Slightly fewer — 310,200 guests, down 2.7% on August 2025, according to NSI.
Where do most foreign tourists stay?
In 4- and 5-star hotels, which accounted for 85% of foreign guests' nights.
Which places are counted?
Hotels, campsites and other short-stay accommodation with 10 or more beds.
