The trips of Bulgarians abroad and the visits of foreigners to Bulgaria in January marked growth on an annual basis and exceeded the level of 2019, but had a slight decrease month to month, show data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI), reported Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).

The trips of Bulgarian citizens abroad in January 2024 were 537.5 thousand, or 6.6% more than in January 2023, the NSI said on Monday. An increase in trips for the following purposes was registered: other - by 11.6%, rest and excursion - by 5.6%, while those for business purposes decreased by 1.9%.

In January 2024, the number of visits by foreign citizens to Bulgaria was 741.3 thousand, or 4.1% more compared to the same month of the previous year. An increase in trips was registered for all observed purposes - rest and excursion, business and other purposes. Transit crossings through the country were 32.6% (241.9 thousand) of all visits by foreign citizens to Bulgaria.

NSI data show that the trips of Bulgarians abroad in December 2023 were 649.1 thousand or 7.3% more than in December 2022, and the visits of foreigners to Bulgaria were 785.4 thousand or 3.1% more compared to the same month of the previous year.

The trips of Bulgarian citizens abroad in January 2019 were 402.3 thousand, or 3.8% more than those registered in January 2018, and the visits of foreigners to Bulgaria were 554.3 thousand, or 1.9% more compared to January 2018.