Bulgaria expects to pocket over 3.0 billion euro ($3.77 billion) in tourism revenue this year, the country's economy ministry said on Tuesday.
"We have every reason to be optimistic about the development of the tourism sector this year and we expect 5%-8% growth in the number of foreign tourist arrivals in the country, according to preliminary data and early bookings," a ministry statement quoted deputy economy minister Ivo Marinov as saying.
Bulgaria expects the highest increase to be registered in tourist arrivals from Russia and Ukraine, which are seen as rising by 15%-20% on the year.
Tourism generates 15% of Bulgaria's gross domestic product, according to economy ministry data.