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© Eoghan OLionnain

Data indicates that tourism in Bulgaria this year will most probably end up being the most successful, in terms of revenues, from the past ten years. The Institute for Analysis and Assessment in Tourism has estimated that tourism in Bulgaria to the Bulgaria tourism destination, the Black Sea, will reach approximately 6.6 million visitors by the end of August 2011. This indicates an overall 14% growth in the number of tourists to Bulgaria as compared to last year. According to the estimates of the Varna Tourism Chamber, this summer, tourism in Bulgaria sees a 20% increase in visitors from Russia, as well as smaller increases in the number of tourists from Germany, Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Poland and Isreal. Experts also predict a rise in the number of tourists coming from Arab nations like Iraq, Syria and Jordan.

© milan.boers

According to a survey conducted by the CzechTourism agency, the zoo in Prague attracted the most tourists in the Czech Republic last year. The Czech tourism destination saw a whopping 1.18 million visitors, followed by the Prague Castle with 1.12 million visitors and the Aquaplace swimming pool complex in Prague that saw 805,000 visitors. These three Czech tourism destinations have been the most popular since 2009. The fourth and fifth top Czech tourism sights were the Jewish Museum and the National Museum, both of which located in Prague. The survey also indicates that the number of tourists visiting various Czech tourism destinations was almost similar in 2009 and 2010. The study revealed that the number of visitors to Czech tourism attractions such as the castles and chateaus has slightly decreased but the overall outlook for the tourism industry is optimistic.

© codrinb2001

Romanian Health Minister, Attila Cseke is planning on a new law that will grant spa resort status to ten localities, which have therapeutic springs. Romania has the highest medical tourism potential in Europe and wants to take advantage of it by further developing Romania tourism resorts that provide healthy therapeutic baths. The Romania tourism spots that will be provided with the spa resort status are: Baile Olanesti, Covasna, Baile Felix, Sovata, Techirghiol, Amara, Baile Herculane, Baile Govora, Calimanesti-Caciulata and Ocna Sibiului. The Romania Tourism Ministry states that medical tourism generated revenues of EUR 250 million last year. About 3% of the total tourists went for medical services – 60,000 people. Out of these, 70% went for spa tourism. Medical tourism is on the rise in Romania. Three ministries in Romania; Tourism, Healthcare and Education are in partnership to promote medical tourism.