Bulgaria Tourism Access Boost: A new independent travel resource, “My Bulgaria Trip” (mybulgariatrip.com), launched to help visitors plan beyond guidebooks, timed with Bulgaria’s full Schengen entry (from Jan 1, 2025) and euro adoption (from Jan 1, 2026), making trips easier to reach and simpler to budget. Black Sea Summer Demand: Romanian tourists keep choosing Bulgaria’s northern Black Sea coast for summer holidays, with reports citing proximity, transport links and more accommodation options; one hotel group said arrivals from Romania are up about 10–12% year-on-year. Heatwave Pressure on Travel: A Europe-wide heatwave is reshaping hotel demand, with rising cooling costs and changing guest behaviour pushing many travellers toward cooler destinations or shoulder seasons. Value Watch for Bulgarians’ Neighbours: Research for Germans suggests Bulgaria and North Macedonia can be about half the German price level for hotels and dining, helping explain why “value” destinations are gaining attention. On-the-Ground Safety: UK police’s “Operation Guardian” beach crackdown at Lady’s Mile and Curium reported 12 arrests in its first four weeks, including drug and weapons-related cases. Culture & Travel Mood: Bulgaria’s Enyovden (St John’s Day) blends Orthodox tradition with midsummer folk rituals tied to sun, water and medicinal plants.